Sudan conflict: ‘There can be no military solution to this war’
Ramtane Lamamra, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan, recently traveled to Sudan, where he met with senior Government figures, including General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council of Sudan and Commander-in-Chief of Sudan. Sudan Armed Forces.
The special envoy also traveled to Ethiopia, where he spoke to a delegation of the Rapid Support Forces in the capital Addis Ababa.
After the trip, Mr. Lamamra shared his hope for ending the conflict and the role of the United Nations in bringing peace to the country.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length
UN News What progress was made during your visit?
Ramtane Lamamra I am encouraged by the support for my mission and the commitment of Sudanese officials to continue working with the United Nations and participate in the Secretary-General’s efforts to bring peace to Sudan .
I reiterate the United Nations’ strong will to spare no effort to help the Sudanese people end their suffering and achieve stability, security, democratic governance and development.
I cannot talk about a specific breakthrough at this time. However, we will continue to work and persevere with the aim of bringing the parties closer to a peaceful solution. Our only choice is to keep trying.
Renk, on the border with Sudan, is at the heart of the emergency response to the Sudan crisis in South Sudan.
UN News Have you met with civil society and women’s groups and what have they and you shared in these meetings?
Ramtane Lamamra I have worked with Sudanese civil society organizations many times. It is imperative to discuss with a wide range of political and civil groups in Sudan, including women, youth and marginalized voices. Those are the people who continue to endure the unbearable losses of this heartbreaking war.
Ending the unbearable suffering of the people in Sudan remains an urgent priority, while we work in parallel to stop war and launch an inclusive and credible political process. trust.
UN News The conflict has dragged on for 20 months with no end in sight, despite the relentless efforts of the United Nations and regional organizations, what needs to change to achieve significant progress towards a ceasefire?
Ramtane Lamamra It is time to end this long-running conflict and the suffering of the Sudanese people. All parties should put the interests of the Sudanese people first and realize it that there can be no military solution to this war. This is a lesson of history in Sudan and elsewhere.
Sudan. Sara and mother Mary at the WFP-supported health center in Philippe area in Port Sudan
A ceasefire is needed to stop the bloodshed, paving the way for a negotiated agreement and a credible, inclusive Sudanese-led political process to preserve Sudan’s unity. Otherwise, the consequences of this war will be very serious for Sudan and the entire region.
Personally, I cannot resign myself to the notion that the second anniversary of the outbreak of war next April will come and go without anyone taking notice, including all influential actors in the region. regional and global, exerting particular collective pressure on the warring parties and their respective supporters. seriously give peace a chance.
Such long overdue pressure should also be directed at foreign parties providing weapons and equipment, nurturing military illusions and miscalculations of actors, damaging wisdom and values. of a peaceful solution to protect unity and territorial integrity. as well as the welfare of Sudan and its people.
I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure we can move forward toward our common goal. We all have to do our best. The people of Sudan deserve no less.
