Sudan conflict: ‘There can be no military solution to this war’

Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, recently traveled to Sudan where he met with senior government figures, including General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Transitional Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The envoy also went to Ethiopia, where he spoke with a delegation of the Rapid Support Force from the capital, Addis Ababa.

After his trip, Mr. Lamamra shared his hopes for an end to the conflict and the role of the UN 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 was encouraged by the support for my mission and the commitment of Sudanese officials to continue working with the UN and to engage with the Secretary-General’s efforts to bring peace to Sudan.

I reiterated the strong will of the United Nations to spare no effort to help the Sudanese people end their suffering and achieve stability, security, democratic governance and development.

I can’t talk about a specific discovery right now. However, we will continue to work and persevere with the aim of bringing the parties closer to a peaceful resolution. Our only choice is to continue our efforts.

Renk, on the border with Sudan, is at the epicenter 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 has been shared from them and from you? during these meetings?

Ramtane Lamamra I have engaged with Sudanese civil society actors on several occasions. It is imperative that we talk to a broad spectrum of Sudanese political and civil groups, including women, youth and marginalized voices. These are the people who continue to suffer the intolerable suffering of this heartbreaking war.

Ending the unbearable suffering of Sudan’s civilians remains a pressing priority as we work in parallel to end the war and launch an inclusive and credible political process.

UN news The conflict has been going on for 20 months without end, despite continued efforts by the UN and regional organizations, what needs to change to achieve meaningful progress towards a ceasefire?

Ramtane Lamamra It is time to end this conflict, which has gone on for too long, and the suffering of the Sudanese people. All actors should put the interests of the Sudanese people first and deliver that there can be no military solution to this war. This is the lesson of history in Sudan and elsewhere.

Sudan. Sara and her mother Mary at the WFP-supported health center in the Philippe neighborhood of Port Sudan

There must be a ceasefire that stops the bloodshed, paves the way for a negotiated settlement and a credible, inclusive Sudanese-led political process that preserves Sudan’s unity. Otherwise, the repercussions of this war will be serious for Sudan and the entire region.

I personally cannot resign myself to the idea that the second anniversary of the outbreak of war in April will come and go without everyone involved, including all influential global and regional actors, putting tremendous collective pressure on the belligerent parties and supporters them to seriously give peace a chance.

Such long-overdue pressure should also be directed at the foreign parties that provide arms and equipment, which fuel the military illusions and miscalculations of actors, at the expense of the wisdom and value of a peaceful solution that preserves unity and territorial integrity. as well as the welfare of Sudan and its people.

I will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure that we can move forward towards our common goal. We all have to do our best. The Sudanese people deserve no less.