UN Envoy Eyes Pre-Christmas Talks with Sudan's RSF on Civilian Rule Transition

The United Nations is aiming to initiate discussions with Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) regarding the transition to civilian governance before the Christmas holiday. This follows recent engagements with factions aligned with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and an anti-war coalition, according to a UN official. Pekka Haavisto, the UN Special Envoy for Sudan, indicated to The National that significant diplomatic momentum exists to end the ongoing devastating conflict, even amidst other regional crises such as the US-Iran tensions and Houthi actions against Saudi Arabia.

Despite repeated rejections of ceasefire proposals by SAF chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, who remains committed to continuing the fight until his adversaries are defeated, the RSF and its commander Gen. Mohamed Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, have not yet provided clear commitments to the peace initiatives on the table. However, recent findings from a UN fact-finding mission, which accused both sides of committing war crimes, combined with increasing pressure from the United States, suggest a potential opening for diplomatic intervention.

During an interview at the Manama Dialogue, an annual security forum held in Bahrain, Mr. Haavisto reported having had "good meetings" with groups close to the SAF and with an anti-war coalition headed by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. He also mentioned the possibility of a Quintet meeting involving the RSF and its allies, potentially taking place in Addis Ababa. "In our last meeting in October in Addis Ababa, we got a feeling that we’re advancing. That was a good meeting with the anti-war coalition, already talking about the substance of the transition to a civilian government," he stated. "We got a similar feeling when talking to the democratic bloc in SAF-controlled areas. We are still waiting for a meeting with Hemedti’s bloc to take place before Christmas."

The UN is collaborating with the European Union, African Union, Arab League, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development as part of the Quintet initiative, which is actively promoting peace in Sudan. Mr. Haavisto, a former foreign minister of Finland, serves as the UN's envoy for Sudan.

On the ground, the situation remains dire. Devastating drone attacks have impacted civilians in areas including Abyei, Kordofan, and Darfur. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned these attacks, which have also targeted essential civilian infrastructure like water treatment plants, humanitarian vehicles, and hospitals.

Last week, UN-appointed investigators issued a warning that the Sudanese city of Al Obeid is experiencing "constant fear" due to drone strikes from one warring faction and arrests and torture perpetrated by the other. The RSF's drone attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, while thousands have been detained by SAF security forces, according to Mona Rishmawi, one of the mission's experts. She detailed instances of detention and torture occurring in Al Obeid Central Prison and other undisclosed locations.

Evidence surfaced in September indicating that the SAF not only employed chemical weapons during the conflict but also maintained and subsequently attempted to conceal a secret stockpile. Mr. Haavisto concurred with the assessment that Sudan is facing not just a civil war, but a "war against civilians."

"Diplomatically, the efforts are strong, and now even more strong than some years ago, so there’s strong engagement by many parties on the diplomatic front," he remarked, commending the efforts of the Quintet and the Quad – comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UAE – which is advocating for civilian rule in the war-torn nation.

The conflict erupted in April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the SAF and the RSF over the establishment of civilian rule and the proposed integration of their respective forces. Numerous diplomatic attempts have failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire. The war has precipitated one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, displacing over 14 million people and leaving nearly 20 million facing hunger, according to the UN World Food Programme. The US, which is advocating for a comprehensive arms embargo on Sudan, has stated that neither of Sudan's two leading generals has a "future" in the country's political leadership.