UN Backs Sudanese Premier’s Peace Plan, Urges Immediate Ceasefire

ISTANBUL: The United Nations has expressed support for a peace initiative put forward by Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a sustainable resolution to the country’s ongoing conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of achieving a lasting and inclusive peace in Sudan, according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. “The United Nations supports a resolution that puts an end to the ongoing conflict and preserves the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan,” Dujarric said.

Guterres urged all warring parties to agree on an immediate ceasefire and prioritize compromise to enable a civilian-led transition. His personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, remains ready to facilitate consultations between the conflicting sides to achieve an inclusive and sustainable settlement.

The peace initiative presented by Idris to the UN Security Council on Monday calls for a UN-monitored ceasefire, with oversight from the African Union and the League of Arab States. The plan also demands the withdrawal of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from occupied areas to supervised camps.

However, the RSF has rejected the proposal, according to Al-Basha Tibiq, adviser to RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced roughly 13 million people. The RSF currently controls most of Darfur, while the army maintains authority over large portions of the remaining states, including the capital, Khartoum.

The UN continues to call for urgent action to end the violence and support a peaceful political transition in Sudan.