Lamamra also called for greater international pressure on both the warring factions and foreign entities supplying arms, urging them to prioritize peace over profit.

By Emmanuel Mandella

Sudan’s relentless civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has plunged the country into an escalating humanitarian catastrophe. Over 12 million people have been displaced, creating a ripple effect of suffering that stretches far beyond Sudan’s borders.

In a bid to broker peace, Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, recently conducted high-level meetings with key stakeholders. His diplomatic mission saw engagements with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, and representatives of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking after his mission, Mr. Lamamra expressed cautious optimism while underscoring the United Nations’ commitment to ending the war.

“I was encouraged by the support extended to my mission and the commitment of Sudanese officials to continue working with the UN,” said Lamamra. “We will spare no effort in helping the Sudanese people achieve stability, security, democratic governance, and development. However, I cannot speak of a particular breakthrough at this point in time.”

In his discussions with civil society and marginalized groups, Lamamra acknowledged the immense toll the conflict has taken on ordinary Sudanese citizens. Women, youth, and other vulnerable populations are enduring an “intolerable toll” as the conflict persists.

“Ending the unbearable suffering of civilians in Sudan remains a pressing priority,” he stated. “It is imperative to launch an inclusive and credible political process that includes all voices.”

Renk, a South Sudanese town bordering Sudan, has become a focal point for emergency humanitarian responses, highlighting the regional implications of the war.

With no end to the war in sight, Lamamra emphasized the need for a shift in approach.

“There cannot be a military solution to this war. This is a lesson history has taught us in Sudan and elsewhere, we need a ceasefire that stops the bloodshed and paves the way for a credible, inclusive Sudanese-led political process,” he stressed.

Lamamra also called for greater international pressure on both the warring factions and foreign entities supplying arms, urging them to prioritize peace over profit.

“Extraordinary collective pressure must be applied to the belligerent parties and their supporters to give peace a chance,” he urged. “The Sudanese people deserve no less.”

The ongoing conflict threatens to destabilize the entire region if left unchecked. Lamamra warned of grave repercussions, including the potential collapse of Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.

“I cannot resign myself to the notion that the second anniversary of this war will pass without meaningful progress,” he said, highlighting the urgency for action.

As Sudan edges closer to the second anniversary of its devastating civil war, the global community faces a moral and strategic imperative: to support efforts for a sustainable ceasefire and an inclusive political resolution. For the people of Sudan, the stakes have never been higher.