UN envoy: No military solution to Sudan war, calls for global pressure

Pekka Haavisto, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Sudan, has emphasized that the ongoing war in the country cannot be resolved by military means. He called for international action to pressure both sides of the conflict, urging de-escalation as a step toward ending the fighting and opening a political process.

In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya, Haavisto said the United Nations is intensifying its international and UN-led efforts to find a solution to the Sudanese crisis. He noted that discussions with both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces are ongoing, as part of efforts to build trust between the parties. He also expressed his support for the international Quartet’s proposal to reach a humanitarian truce.

The UN envoy explained that the current objective is to create conditions that allow for de-escalation and pave the way for a political process to end the war. He stressed that achieving this stage requires international pressure on the warring parties to bring about an end to the fighting.

The proposed humanitarian truce is linked to the efforts of the Sudan Quartet, which includes the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. This runs in parallel with the work of the Quintet, comprising the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the European Union, and the United Nations, all aiming to support a Sudanese-led political process. The UN supports this approach, viewing the humanitarian truce as a step to alleviate civilian suffering and ensure aid delivery, paving the way for a ceasefire and then a political process.

As part of efforts to lay the groundwork for ending the fighting, Haavisto said he remains in contact with both sides of the conflict—the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces—to build trust and create conditions for progress toward a ceasefire.

Haavisto has previously stated that the war in Sudan cannot be settled militarily, calling for de-escalation, protection of civilians, and guaranteed humanitarian access. He has also emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures and international coordination to support peace efforts.

This comes as the Quintet continues its activities inside Sudan. Haavisto visited Khartoum as part of a delegation including representatives from the African Union, IGAD, the Arab League, the European Union, and the United Nations, in talks focused on supporting peace and Sudanese dialogue.

In September, the UN envoy also undertook diplomatic missions to Sudan and Egypt, meeting with officials and regional parties to discuss efforts to end the war and enhance coordination between the Quartet and Quintet, as international efforts continue to push Sudanese parties toward a truce, then a ceasefire, and a political process.