Ramtane Lamamra: Any Peaceful Solution Must Respect the Country’s Sovereignty and Unity
United Nations News
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, has called for intensified and coordinated efforts to reach a peaceful solution that respects Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity while ending the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis.
In an interview with United Nations News on Wednesday, published by Muwatinoun, Lamamra discussed the recent developments in Nairobi, Kenya, where political and military groups signed a charter expressing their intention to establish a governing authority in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He warned that such a move "increases the risk of Sudan’s fragmentation," while welcoming the roadmap issued in Port Sudan on February 9. He urged all concerned Sudanese parties to contribute their ideas to enrich the document, which he believes could facilitate the necessary discussions to rebuild a united and cohesive Sudanese state.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Lamamra urged Sudanese citizens to draw lessons from past experiences, stressing that any solution must be pursued within the framework of Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, and unity—both of its people and territory. He stated:
"I believe this is a fundamental principle beyond dispute. For the United Nations—and for me personally—I will continue to emphasize this point because it is crucial. We want to emerge from this crisis with a strong and unified Sudan, a Sudan that learns from its contemporary historical experiences and makes the necessary decisions to prevent the recurrence of mistakes that have led to wars in the recent past, including the current conflict."
The Nairobi Charter
Regarding the Nairobi developments, where political and military factions signed a charter to establish a governing authority in RSF-controlled areas, Lamamra pointed to the UN Secretary-General’s deep concerns about the move, warning that it exacerbates the risk of Sudan’s disintegration. He emphasized that anything widening the gap between Sudanese people instead of uniting them is "undesirable."
He also referred to the roadmap issued in Port Sudan on February 9, welcomed by the UN Secretary-General, who encouraged all Sudanese stakeholders to contribute their ideas to enrich the document. Lamamra stressed that this roadmap could help facilitate necessary discussions for rebuilding a unified and cohesive Sudan.
The envoy confirmed that the next step is to build upon the current proposals, acknowledging that this will be "a delicate and challenging endeavor." He underscored the importance of coordinating the various existing initiatives aimed at launching a comprehensive national dialogue.
"Our sole concern is to convince all stakeholders to engage in a path that we believe holds the seeds of an inclusive and acceptable solution for everyone."
The Role of the International Community
Lamamra called on the international community to take responsibility and coordinate efforts to support peace in Sudan. He stressed that a serious international engagement in resolving Sudan’s crisis requires "a careful and objective study with a precise understanding" of the situation’s dynamics, including the roots of the conflict, its history, its dimensions, the key actors, foreign interventions, and other critical factors.
To avoid contradictions between various initiatives, he asserted that regional and international efforts must be unified to form "a single strong voice." He explained:
"Certainly, solving Sudan’s crisis and ending the war and suffering of its citizens requires a comprehensive approach. There are multiple entry points to the crisis, and efforts must be coordinated through dedicated work on each of these aspects."
Extensive Consultations with Sudanese Stakeholders
Lamamra highlighted the broad consultations he has conducted with diverse Sudanese groups, including youth, women, and civil society organizations, to listen to their views and proposals. He emphasized the significance of these discussions in understanding the situation and setting priorities.
He noted his preference for working with "discretion," avoiding "megaphone diplomacy," in order to allow participants to express their opinions freely. He revealed that he has officially presented both warring parties (the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF) with a list of recommendations drawn from these consultations, along with citizens’ observations, urging decision-makers to begin implementing feasible measures.
"Work is progressing steadily, and we will spare no effort in fulfilling our mission. The absence of an immediate breakthrough or major achievement will not weaken our resolve to reach our goal."
Regarding his meetings with government authorities in Port Sudan, Lamamra described them as respectful. He reaffirmed his commitment to listening to all sides and seeking advice from wise voices and those willing to contribute to a solution.
"I believe that maintaining balance and gaining the trust of all parties is essential when considering different perspectives. I think each party has a comprehensive and legitimate vision, naturally driven by love for Sudan. I believe that none of them has an alternative homeland. The focus should be on preserving this one nation, which has room for all. The time will come when the sense of an achievable peaceful solution emerges."
Momentum at the African Union Summit
Lamamra recently attended the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa as part of the UN Secretary-General’s delegation, engaging with multiple stakeholders on pathways to a peaceful resolution in Sudan. He stressed the importance of coordination with neighboring countries and regional organizations, including the African Union, the Arab League, IGAD, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He noted that the AU Summit dedicated significant attention to Sudan’s crisis.
He also welcomed the election of Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new Chairperson of the AU Commission, praising his role in supporting peace efforts in Sudan. He expressed confidence in Youssouf’s ability to bring valuable contributions to the AU Commission.
Is There Hope for Implementing the Jeddah Declaration?
Nearly two years ago, Sudanese parties signed a declaration in Jeddah to protect civilians and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.
When asked about the feasibility of implementing the declaration and the obstacles preventing it, Lamamra described it as "a promising and positive document, and the only one signed and agreed upon by all parties after the war began." He emphasized the urgent need to launch preparatory technical consultations to swiftly and effectively implement the declaration.
"Implementing the Jeddah Declaration holds the potential to reduce bloodshed. We must work with all relevant parties to reach a common understanding of the document’s provisions and begin its implementation as soon as possible."
A "Message of Brotherhood" to the Sudanese People
In closing, Lamamra addressed the Sudanese people and the warring parties with a message of hope and unity, particularly as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. He described the Sudanese people as lovers of freedom, peace, and coexistence, stating:
"My message is one of brotherhood—a message grounded in the values of Islam, which are cherished by both Muslims and non-Muslims. The concerned parties should always uphold the noble teachings of Islam and respect the sanctity of human life. Our hope is that our Sudanese brothers and sisters seize this opportunity to reflect on achieving a Ramadan free of violence—a Ramadan filled with brotherhood and aspirations for a better future."
