UN seeks cooperation with all sides to advance Sudan’s political process

UN envoy Pekka Haavisto arrived in Khartoum with a message that dialogue is the route to a sustainable peace and a comprehensive ceasefire in Sudan, but the initiative is already facing skepticism from opposition sectors.

In a statement issued by Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Haavisto said he was prepared to cooperate closely with all Sudanese parties and actors. He also said he would work with the international Quintet to advance an inclusive and comprehensive political process that responds to the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

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Dialogue is the path to achieving sustainable peace and a comprehensive ceasefire.

The Quintet brings together the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Arab League, the European Union and the United Nations. Its stated aim is to pressure the warring sides to halt the military escalation, facilitate humanitarian aid and open channels for democratic dialogue among Sudanese political actors.

The push for talks faces an immediate dispute over who should participate. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads the army and the Sovereignty Council, rejected the participation of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, in dialogue in Khartoum on the political transition. Al-Burhan said the process should involve political and civilian forces rather than military actors.

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I am ready to cooperate and work closely with all Sudanese parties and actors, and to work with the partners of the Quintet to advance the political process, ensuring that it is inclusive, comprehensive and responds to the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

Al-Burhan agreed on August 15 to promote a national political process through an independent mechanism aimed at facilitating an “inclusive Sudanese dialogue,” building broad national consensus and guiding the country’s transition. At the end of last month, a preparatory committee began consultations with political, civil and community forces inside and outside Sudan to develop a shared vision for the transitional period.

Opposition groups have received the process with deep skepticism. The war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023 and has since killed tens of thousands of people and displaced about 14 million others.

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Inclusive Sudanese dialogue