UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, has intensified diplomatic efforts in Khartoum as international mediators seek to reduce tensions and revive a political process aimed at ending the country’s war.
Haavisto took part on Tuesday in meetings involving representatives of the five-member international coordination group at Sudan’s Foreign Ministry and also held consultations with United Nations agencies, continuing a series of engagements since arriving in the capital.
The group brings together the United Nations, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Arab League and European Union. Its representatives are seeking broader consultations with Sudanese political and civilian actors as they assess the political and security situation and explore possible paths toward a negotiated settlement.
Further meetings with political groups and civil society representatives are expected in the coming days as mediators attempt to gather proposals for a more inclusive political process capable of laying the groundwork for peace.
Haavisto arrived in Khartoum on Friday and has since met senior officials, including the head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, the prime minister and the foreign minister. He has also held talks with civil society figures and political leaders.
During meetings over the weekend, the UN envoy focused on practical measures to lower tensions and reduce risks facing civilians. Discussions also covered humanitarian and security issues, including the release and exchange of detainees.
Education was another issue raised during the talks, with Haavisto stressing the importance of ensuring that school pupils across Sudan are able to sit a unified national examination despite the disruption caused by the conflict.
The envoy has argued that ending the violence will require both an inclusive political process and concrete de-escalation measures. He has maintained that a negotiated settlement remains the most viable route toward a comprehensive ceasefire and a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Haavisto is expected to remain in Sudan until the end of the week, with his mission focused on widening consultations among political, civilian and other stakeholders involved in shaping the country’s future political process.
