Sudan Events – Agencies
A United Nations official stated that the UN’s personal envoy, Ramtan Lamamra, is considering conducting indirect talks with the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) focused on civilian protection.
The UN Security Council held a meeting on Tuesday regarding the Secretary-General’s report, during which members were briefed by UN officials and discussed the situation in Sudan.
Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, informed the Security Council that “the personal envoy of Lamamra is reviewing the next phase of his engagement with the warring parties, including another round of indirect talks focused on commitments related to the protection of civilians.”
She added that Lamamra intends to visit Sudan and other regional countries in the coming weeks to meet with key stakeholders and will work with Sudanese civil groups to ensure their views are reflected in his efforts.
She stressed that the RSF’s attacks in the Gezira State are among the worst and most extreme acts of violence, where many civilians have been killed, numerous homes lost, and many forced to flee.
She stated, “We are receiving reports of horrific violations, including sexual violence against women and girls, as fighting continues in Al-Fasher, Khartoum, and other areas, where civilians are suffering enormously.”
Rosemary explained that both the army and the RSF are convinced of their ability to win on the battlefield and continue to escalate their military operations.
She mentioned that establishing a “compliance mechanism,” with the support of partners, will be a critical step in holding the parties accountable for their commitments. There is also a dire need to make progress on a local ceasefire to open channels for dialogue.
The UK was set to propose a resolution to the Security Council during the meeting, calling for the creation of a “compliance mechanism” to monitor and oversee the obligations of both warring parties under the Jeddah Agreement signed on May 11, 2023.
