French Special Envoy for Sudan: Dialogue Must Be Stronger Than Weapons

Khartoum – Sudanhorizon

Jean-Marie Safa, the newly appointed French Special Envoy for Sudan and the Horn of Africa, has called for the international community to unify its efforts in support of a single, Sudanese-led dialogue process. He emphasized that restoring trust among the Sudanese people is the essential prerequisite for ending the war and building a state that is inclusive of all its citizens.

Following a meeting on Wednesday in Khartoum with members of the committee tasked with preparing for a Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, Safa stated that “dialogue must be stronger than weapons.” He warned that the continuation of the war leads to a dead end for everyone, and reaffirmed France’s commitment to the unity of Sudan, as well as its support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and reviving hope for the country’s future.

According to the dialogue platform, the discussions with the committee addressed, in a candid manner, issues such as confidence-building, creating a conducive environment for dialogue, and the role of women and various Sudanese components in bridging differences. Safa noted that ending the war requires moving beyond political divisions and agreeing on clear principles that ensure the acceptance of others and the participation of all.

The French envoy pointed out that a lack of trust poses a major challenge to launching a comprehensive dialogue process. He stressed the need to address these concerns incrementally, working to rebuild trust through sustained communication and an openness to diverse viewpoints.

Safa further emphasized that the international community must speak with a single voice and coordinate its efforts to support a unified framework for dialogue, rather than pursuing multiple, fragmented tracks. He stated that the responsibility for overcoming the crisis does not rest solely with the Sudanese people; it also requires international actors to review their own roles and rectify past mistakes. He urged that lessons be drawn from the decades of war Sudan has endured, and that foundations be laid to prevent any recurrence.

He added that genuine dialogue cannot be achieved without acknowledging pluralism and accepting diverse viewpoints. He emphasized that bringing the Sudanese people together through an inclusive process is the path toward restoring the state and serving the supreme interests of a population that has long suffered the consequences of war.

Safa announced his intention to continue visiting Sudan, noting that his current visit will not be his last. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to contributing to efforts aimed at restoring trust, reviving hope, and achieving peace—with the goal of ensuring that the current conflict becomes the final war in the nation’s history.

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