Sudan Crisis: UN Envoy Seeks Global Pressure on Warring Parties as El Fasher Siege Worsens
The United Nations special envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, has vowed to step up efforts to push the international community toward ending the war, as the conflict threatens to enter its third year.
Lamamra told reporters in Port Sudan that the UN is working to influence “international positions” surrounding the war, which has divided regional powers. Sudan’s army has accused the UAE of arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), while the army itself reportedly benefits from backing by Egypt and Iran.
The envoy met with the Forces for Freedom and Change–Democratic Bloc (FFC-DB), an ally of the army, to discuss civilian protection, humanitarian aid, and a political settlement. “We must bring about a qualitative leap on the ground to end the suffering of the Sudanese people,” Lamamra said.
He highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur, where RSF fighters have maintained a siege for nearly 18 months, cutting off food, medicine, and aid access. Videos show RSF units encroaching on residential neighborhoods and the Abu Shouk displacement camp.
Governor Minni Arko Minnawi said Lamamra emphasized the urgency of saving El Fasher. Bloc spokesman Mohamed Zakaria added that they discussed an inclusive political solution excluding parties accused of war crimes.
The bloc proposed a two-track peace process: one political track for all civilian and political groups, and a security track between the army and RSF based on the Jeddah Declaration, which was signed in May 2023 but suspended due to repeated violations.
Zakaria called for the African Union to lead future peace efforts, supported by Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, he warned against Lamamra’s recent meetings with the RSF-dominated “Tasis” coalition in Nyala, saying recognition of such entities undermines the UN’s neutrality.
About the Author
