From A Special Representative To A Personal Envoy: A New Mechanism for a Continued Conflict

November 15 marked the seventh month since the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted, during which the country became the most crisis of our time as more than 24 million people (more than half of the population) need humanitarian assistance. More than 6.2 million were forcibly displaced within and outside the country. On November 16, the UN Security Council held a meeting discussing the Situation in Sudan and the situation of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), which was concluded with the de facto government of Sudan requesting for the “immediate termination” of the mission while ensuring full collaboration with the UN Secretary-General to establish a “new mechanism that serves the current situation in Sudan.”

Shortly after this meeting, the UNSG announced his appointment of Mr. Ramtane Lamamra of Algeria as his Personal Envoy for Sudan. As a Personal Envoy, Mr. Lamamra will represent the UNGS in his efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan, as he will work “closely” with all parties involved in the conflict and provide support and advice to him on matters related to Sudan.

Before the UN Security Council’s last meeting, the UNSG announced his plans for a “strategic” vision regarding the UNITAMS. While Members like Russia called the Mission a “failure,” almost all other Members assured their support.

Overall, the situation in Sudan continues to worsen daily as the escalations between the belligerent parties continue. Sudan is expected to have a “new” Mission replacing the unwanted UNITAMS, whose mandate ends by December 3, 2023.