United Nations envoy Pekka Haavisto arrived in Khartoum on Friday for talks with key parties to Sudan’s conflict, focusing on de-escalation measures and the protection of civilians.
Haavisto, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy for Sudan, spoke by telephone on Thursday with Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, to discuss the same issues, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during his daily briefing.
During his visit, Haavisto is expected to meet representatives of the five-member international group comprising the African Union, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Arab League and United Nations.
The closed-door meetings will examine Sudan’s current political landscape and recent proposals intended to advance a Sudanese-led dialogue.
Dujarric reiterated the UN’s position that the conflict must be resolved through negotiations and that any settlement should reflect the Sudanese people’s democratic aspirations.
Haavisto will also continue consultations with a broad range of Sudanese actors inside and outside the country as he assesses ways to support an inclusive, Sudanese-owned political process aimed at securing lasting peace.
