Sudan War: Any Peace Deal Must Respect National Sovereignty, UN Envoy Says
New York, NY – 2025-02-26 12:00 GMT – A lasting peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan must prioritize and respect the nation’s national sovereignty, the UN Special Envoy for Sudan stated emphatically today. Addressing the press after a closed-door briefing to the Security Council, the envoy reiterated the UN’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and providing humanitarian assistance, but underscored that any solution imposed from the outside would ultimately be unsustainable.
The war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), has plunged the country into a devastating humanitarian crisis. Millions have been displaced, food insecurity is rampant, and reports of widespread human rights abuses continue to surface.
“The situation on the ground remains dire,” the UN Special Envoy acknowledged. “We are witnessing unimaginable suffering, particularly among women and children. The conflict is not only a humanitarian catastrophe but also a threat to regional stability.”
While acknowledging the urgency of finding a resolution, the envoy stressed the importance of adhering to principles of national sovereignty. “We must remember that Sudan is a sovereign nation with its own history, culture, and aspirations,” the envoy stated. “Any peace deal that is perceived as infringing upon this sovereignty, or imposed without genuine Sudanese ownership, risks exacerbating existing tensions and sowing the seeds for future conflict.”
Key takeaways from the UN Envoy’s address:
- National Sovereignty is Paramount: The envoy repeatedly emphasized that any durable peace must be rooted in the recognition of Sudanese national sovereignty and self-determination. This means allowing Sudanese actors to lead the process and preventing external powers from dictating the terms of the agreement.
- Inclusivity is Crucial: Beyond respecting sovereignty, the envoy highlighted the necessity of inclusive negotiations. “A sustainable peace cannot be achieved through deals between just the warring parties,” the envoy stated. “It requires the participation of all Sudanese stakeholders – including women, youth, civil society organizations, and representatives from marginalized communities. Their voices must be heard.”
- Humanitarian Access is Urgent: The envoy reiterated the UN’s deep concern over the ongoing restrictions on humanitarian access, particularly to areas hardest hit by the conflict. The envoy called on both the SAF and RSF to immediately cease all obstructions and facilitate the safe and unimpeded delivery of aid to those in need.
- Accountability for War Crimes: The envoy addressed the growing concerns over alleged war crimes and human rights violations committed by both sides. “There must be accountability for these atrocities,” the envoy declared. “Impunity will only embolden perpetrators and undermine any prospect for lasting peace. We support efforts to investigate these crimes and bring those responsible to justice.”
- Regional Cooperation is Necessary: The envoy recognized the crucial role that regional actors can play in facilitating peace. “We are working closely with the African Union, IGAD, and neighboring countries to coordinate our efforts and ensure a unified approach to resolving the conflict,” the envoy explained.
- The UN’s Continued Commitment: The UN Special Envoy reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting Sudan in its pursuit of peace and stability. “We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance, facilitate dialogue, and advocate for the protection of civilians,” the envoy concluded. “We stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people and remain hopeful that a peaceful resolution can be achieved.”
Challenges Ahead:
While the UN’s emphasis on national sovereignty is seen as a crucial step towards a sustainable solution, significant challenges remain. The ongoing fighting, deep-seated distrust between the warring factions, and the involvement of external actors with competing interests continue to complicate the peace process.
Furthermore, ensuring genuine inclusivity in the negotiations remains a major hurdle. Many civil society groups and marginalized communities have expressed concerns that their voices are being ignored, and they fear that any deal struck between the SAF and RSF will not address their legitimate grievances.
Looking Ahead:
The UN’s call for a peace deal that respects national sovereignty is a welcome step, but it is only the first step. The success of the peace process will ultimately depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise, prioritize the needs of the Sudanese people, and commit to building a more just and equitable future for the country. The international community must remain engaged and provide the necessary support to help Sudan navigate this difficult path towards peace.
Sudan war: Any peace deal must respect national sovereignty, UN envoy says
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