UN envoy Pekka Haavisto announced consultations every three months to coordinate international efforts to end Sudan’s war. At a Geneva meeting, he urged countries and organizations to align diplomatic initiatives, seek confidence-building measures and prepare an inclusive political dialogue. He called for Sudanese people to lead the process and for sustained engagement with neighbouring countries.
Pekka Haavisto, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Sudan, urged countries and international organizations to coordinate their peace efforts at the sixth consultative meeting in Geneva on October 21. He called for diplomatic channels to reinforce one another’s work as fighting continued. The meeting addressed efforts to de-escalate the war and prepare the ground for an inclusive political dialogue.[1], [2]
Haavisto committed to convening consultations every three months to review progress, address obstacles and sustain diplomatic engagement. He urged participants to explore confidence-building measures that could help create conditions for a comprehensive ceasefire. Sudanese people he had met inside the country, in the region and abroad had expressed a clear demand to end the war, he said. Switzerland co-hosted the gathering.[1]
The envoy said Sudanese people should lead the political process and its diverse voices should be represented. He called for sustained contact with neighbouring countries because the conflict’s effects extend beyond Sudan. War between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023. Haavisto urged intensified efforts before April 2027, with civilian protection and relief from suffering among the objectives.[1]
