UN Envoy Announces Progress in Talks on the Sudanese Crisis

Geneva – Almohagig – Sudanhorizon

The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, provided an optimistic update following the conclusion of the Geneva talks that was not recorded in a press release today (Friday) from his office in Geneva.

The meeting was considered successful, as the discussions, which were held from July 11 to 19, 2024, dealt with “the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan.”

He added that these discussions, which were based on Security Council Resolution No. 2724 and 2736 (2024), de-escalate tensions around El Fasher and ensure the protection of civilians and unfettered humanitarian access across Sudan. The Secretary-General also made additional recommendations to the regions, usually in consultation with their Sudanese authorities.

The statement expressed that Lamamra “contacted Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Command Council and Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Commander of the Rapid Support Forces. Calling on them to provide high-level humanitarian delegations to Geneva to discuss military intervention that would ensure the distribution of humanitarian assistance and field protection.”

The Geneva talks included about 20 sessions with each party’s delegation, which included technical and general meetings. Lamamra pointed to the parties’ desire to participate and their commitments to respond to specific humanitarian and security concerns.

“The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains catastrophic and deteriorates daily,” Lamamra said. “Urgent action is needed to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches all those in need and to ensure the protection of civilians.”

While the commitments made by one party to enhance humanitarian assistance and protect civilians are considered a promising step, Lamamra stressed that these unilateral commitments do not constitute formal agreements with the United Nations. However, he welcomed it and considered it a positive step.

Lamamra pledged to remain in close contact with the leadership of both parties to follow up on the implementation of these commitments and to continue involving them in critical issues.

He urged the two sides to intensify their efforts for peace, stressing the importance of achieving tangible progress on the ground to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Lamamra concluded, “The discussions that took place in Geneva are an encouraging first step in a longer and complex process.” He added, “I urge both parties to intensify their commitment to peace for the sake of the Sudanese people and the future of the country.”