Sudan War: Any Peace Deal Must Respect National Sovereignty, UN Envoy Says
KHARTOUM, February 26, 2025 (12:00 GMT) – The United Nations Special Envoy for Sudan, Volker Perthes, today emphasized the critical importance of respecting Sudan’s national sovereignty in any future peace agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking at a press conference in Addis Ababa following a series of meetings with regional and international stakeholders, Perthes underscored the need for a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned process, free from external interference that could undermine the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
“Any sustainable peace deal must be rooted in the aspirations of the Sudanese people and uphold the principles of national sovereignty,” Perthes stated. “External actors play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and providing support, but ultimately, the responsibility for forging a peaceful future lies with the Sudanese themselves.”
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has devastated Sudan, displacing millions, creating a humanitarian crisis, and threatening regional stability. Despite numerous attempts at mediation, including those led by the African Union, IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), and Saudi Arabia, a lasting ceasefire remains elusive.
Perthes acknowledged the significant challenges facing the peace process. “The deep mistrust between the warring parties, the proliferation of armed groups, and the severe humanitarian situation pose significant obstacles,” he said. “However, we remain committed to facilitating dialogue and supporting the Sudanese people in their quest for peace and stability.”
Key Points from Perthes’ Remarks:
- Sovereignty as a Cornerstone: Perthes explicitly stated that any peace agreement must respect Sudan’s sovereignty, implying a need for internal solutions and minimizing external control or imposition. This suggests a potential resistance to foreign powers dictating the terms of peace or exerting undue influence on the future government.
- Sudanese Ownership: He emphasized that the peace process should be “Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned,” highlighting the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that the voices of diverse Sudanese communities are heard. This implies the need for a broad-based process that includes not just the SAF and RSF, but also political parties, civil society organizations, and representatives from marginalized regions.
- International Support: While stressing Sudanese ownership, Perthes also acknowledged the crucial role of international support in facilitating dialogue and providing humanitarian assistance. He likely referred to financial aid, technical expertise, and diplomatic leverage that can be instrumental in pushing the parties towards a negotiated settlement.
- Humanitarian Crisis: He highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, reiterating the need for unimpeded access to deliver aid to those in need. The conflict has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leading to widespread hunger, disease, and displacement, demanding immediate and sustained international assistance.
- Regional Stability: Perthes emphasized the potential for the conflict to destabilize the wider region, underscoring the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation. The influx of refugees into neighboring countries and the potential for cross-border arms flows are major concerns.
- Challenges Ahead: He identified deep mistrust between the SAF and RSF, the proliferation of armed groups, and the dire humanitarian situation as major hurdles to achieving lasting peace. These challenges highlight the complexity of the conflict and the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate security concerns and the underlying political and economic grievances.
Background and Context:
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the SAF and the de facto leader of Sudan, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, the commander of the RSF. The RSF, a paramilitary group with roots in the Janjaweed militias accused of atrocities in Darfur, had been integrated into the Sudanese military structure, but tensions remained high over the planned transition to civilian rule.
The conflict has resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, sexual violence, and forced displacement. International organizations have accused both the SAF and the RSF of war crimes.
Possible Implications:
Perthes’ statement suggests a renewed focus on ensuring that the Sudanese peace process is not unduly influenced by external actors. This could lead to a more assertive role for Sudanese stakeholders in shaping the future of their country. However, it could also present challenges, as external actors may be reluctant to cede control over the process, particularly given the strategic importance of Sudan and the complex regional dynamics.
The emphasis on sovereignty could also complicate efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable. Some argue that international intervention is necessary to ensure justice and prevent impunity, while others maintain that such intervention would violate Sudan’s sovereignty.
Ultimately, the success of the peace process will depend on the willingness of the warring parties to engage in good faith negotiations and to prioritize the interests of the Sudanese people. The international community can play a supportive role, but the responsibility for building a peaceful and stable Sudan lies with the Sudanese themselves.
Next Steps:
Following the Addis Ababa meetings, Perthes is expected to brief the UN Security Council on the situation in Sudan and to outline his plan for supporting the peace process. The international community will be closely watching for any signs of progress in the negotiations and for concrete steps to address the humanitarian crisis. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a lasting ceasefire can be achieved and whether Sudan can embark on a path towards sustainable peace and development.
Sudan war: Any peace deal must respect national sovereignty, UN envoy says
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