United Nations: There is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan

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The UN Secretary-General's envoy to Sudan confirmed on Wednesday that there is no military solution to the war in this country, following international talks on peace efforts.

21 countries and five international organizations met at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, within the framework of the “Sixth Consultative Meeting on Strengthening Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan.” The two warring parties were not represented at the meeting.

Relief agencies estimate that the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has resulted in the deaths of more than 200,000 people and caused the displacement of more than 13 million, leading to the largest hunger and displacement crisis in the world.

Pekka Haavisto, co-chair of the talks and personal envoy of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Sudan, said the army and the Rapid Support Forces still believe in the possibility of achieving a military victory in the war.

Haavisto stated in a press conference following the talks: “As the international community, we affirm that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan.” "The solution must be reached through diplomatic talks and discussions," he added.

He continued: "One of the small steps that the United Nations is taking is to try to put forward what are known as confidence-building measures, steps that can be agreed upon by both parties to the conflict."

Haavisto explained that one of the measures relates to the exchange of prisoners of war or detainees, both military and civilian, and facilitating student exams.

He said: "We believe that there are issues that should actually unite the two sides of the conflict, but these are, of course, only small initial steps compared to the enormous destruction that is occurring."

The meeting included the Quartet (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the United States), the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and a number of neighboring Sudanese countries, such as Ethiopia and Chad.

The meeting aimed to coordinate mediation initiatives, promote de-escalation, reach a political solution through negotiation, and support humanitarian access. The talks focused on three axes: the security situation, political issues, and the regional dimension of the war.

Haavisto added: "All parties to the Sudanese conflict are wondering, if we agree on a humanitarian truce or a ceasefire, what the situation will be like the next day," stressing the need for coordination.

The United Nations and Switzerland jointly chaired the meeting.

A statement issued later said that the participants expressed their deep concern over reports of atrocities and the escalation in the use of drones, “causing enormous suffering to civilians.”

The statement also stated that the participants “rejected the formation of parallel governments” in Sudan. They also urged foreign countries to “refrain from fueling the war,” especially through mercenaries, military equipment, drones, and financial support.

“The parties must engage and make tangible progress towards reducing the escalation and protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian access to those in need, preserving the unity of Sudan, and supporting a credible civilian political process,” the statement said.