Sudan War: Any Peace Deal Must Respect National Sovereignty, UN Envoy Declares
Geneva, Switzerland – 2025-02-26 (12:00) – In a strong statement delivered today in Geneva, the United Nations Special Envoy to Sudan, Ambassador Leyla Khalil, emphasized the crucial need for any prospective peace deal in the ongoing Sudanese conflict to unequivocally respect the national sovereignty of Sudan. Her remarks come as international efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensify, with renewed talks planned for next month in Addis Ababa.
Ambassador Khalil, speaking at a press conference following a closed-door briefing to the UN Security Council, stressed that while international assistance and mediation are vital for resolving the crisis, the ultimate solution must originate from within Sudan itself. “The future of Sudan, the structure of its government, and the distribution of its resources must be determined by the Sudanese people,” she stated. “Any attempt to impose external solutions or undermine Sudanese sovereignty will be detrimental to achieving sustainable peace and long-term stability.”
Her comments are widely interpreted as a response to concerns raised by both the SAF and various Sudanese political factions about perceived external interference in the peace process. Accusations have been leveled against certain regional actors of supporting one side or the other, further complicating the already delicate negotiations.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has ravaged Sudan, resulting in a devastating humanitarian crisis. Millions have been displaced, both internally and across borders, and widespread reports of atrocities, including sexual violence and targeted killings, continue to surface. Food insecurity is rampant, and the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.
Ambassador Khalil acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating that “the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is reaching catastrophic proportions. Millions of Sudanese are facing starvation, disease, and displacement. We must act decisively and urgently to alleviate their suffering.”
While highlighting the importance of respecting national sovereignty, Ambassador Khalil also emphasized the critical role of accountability for human rights abuses. “Justice must be served for the victims of this conflict,” she declared. “We must ensure that perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity are held accountable for their actions. Impunity cannot be tolerated.”
The upcoming peace talks in Addis Ababa are expected to focus on several key issues, including:
- A permanent ceasefire: Establishing a comprehensive and verifiable ceasefire agreement is paramount to halting the violence and enabling humanitarian access to affected areas.
- Security sector reform: Reforming the SAF and RSF, and integrating them into a unified national army under civilian control, is considered crucial for preventing future conflicts. This is perhaps the most contentious issue, as both forces are deeply entrenched and resistant to relinquishing control.
- Transitional governance: Establishing a framework for a transitional government that includes civilian representation and ensures a fair distribution of power and resources. Agreement on the composition and powers of this transitional government remains elusive.
- Humanitarian access: Ensuring safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need is a critical priority. However, ongoing fighting and bureaucratic obstacles continue to hinder aid delivery.
Several analysts believe that Ambassador Khalil’s statement reflects a growing consensus within the international community that a sustainable peace in Sudan can only be achieved through an inclusive, Sudanese-led process that respects the country’s sovereignty and addresses the root causes of the conflict.
“The UN is walking a tightrope,” explains Dr. Ahmed Musa, a Sudanese political analyst based in Cairo. “On the one hand, they need to exert pressure to stop the fighting and address the humanitarian crisis. On the other hand, they need to avoid being seen as imposing a solution that doesn’t reflect the will of the Sudanese people. Ambassador Khalil’s statement is a clear attempt to strike that balance.”
The success of the upcoming peace talks hinges on the willingness of both the SAF and the RSF to compromise and prioritize the interests of the Sudanese people above their own. The international community, while playing a crucial supporting role, must respect Sudan’s sovereignty and allow the Sudanese people to determine their own future. The stakes are incredibly high, and the future of Sudan hangs in the balance.
Sudan war: Any peace deal must respect national sovereignty, UN envoy says
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