UN Calls for Inclusive Dialogue in Sudan as Burhan Affirms Government's Commitment to Cooperation

Ramtane Lamamra, the personal representative of the UN Secretary-General, stated on Saturday that there remains an opportunity for internal dialogue among Sudanese to end the violence and lay the groundwork for security and stability. He emphasized the UN's commitment to providing all necessary support to ensure the success of these efforts.

Lamamra made this statement during a meeting with Abdel Fattah Burhan, the head of Sudan's Sovereign Council, in Khartoum. He clarified that his visit was mandated by the Secretary-General to closely monitor the political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country.

Burhan, for his part, confirmed that the Sudanese government is open to cooperating with the UN and its various agencies to achieve humanitarian, developmental, and social goals. He expressed the leadership's desire to establish peace throughout the country in response to the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

He also reiterated his commitment to ongoing coordination with the international organization and its personal envoy to ensure stability in Sudan and the surrounding region.

In this context, international pressure continues to mount for the conflicting parties to agree to a ceasefire. On November 25, U.S. Special Envoy for Africa Mike Hammer called for acceptance of Washington's plan for an "unconditional" ceasefire. However, Burhan criticized the U.S. mediation, deeming it biased, and rejected proposals from the "international quartet," which includes the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE.

Conversely, the Rapid Support Forces announced on November 6 their agreement to a humanitarian ceasefire after taking control of the city of El Fasher, the last stronghold of the army in the Darfur region.

The international quartet had proposed an initiative in September that included a three-month ceasefire, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a brief transitional period leading to a civilian government, asserting that a military solution is not an option.