KHARTOUM – The United Nations said it is stepping up consultations with Sudanese political stakeholders, in coordination with its partners in the Quint Mechanism, to support a Sudanese-led political process, while warning that continued fighting and drone attacks are worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the Quint Mechanism — comprising the United Nations, African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), League of Arab States, and the European Union (EU) — has held discussions in recent days with Sudanese civilian political leaders. The meetings followed consultations in Addis Ababa in June and focused on proposals to advance an inclusive political process and develop confidence-building measures.
Haq said UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan Risto Pekka Haavisto continues to engage with a wide range of Sudanese stakeholders, urging them to make concrete commitments to reduce tensions and engage in dialogue aimed at ending hostilities.
He added that Haavisto recently held talks with Sudan’s foreign minister on the latest developments in the country, preparations for a planned visit to Khartoum, and efforts to facilitate Sudanese national examinations for students in Chad. The envoy is also continuing contacts with Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) to discuss practical steps toward de-escalation.
The United Nations said Haavisto is expected to travel to Türkiye this week for meetings with Turkish officials and Sudanese stakeholders, including representatives of youth and women’s groups, as part of broader diplomatic efforts to support a political settlement.
The renewed diplomatic engagement comes as international mediation efforts continue alongside the conflict that erupted in April 2023, with the UN and regional organizations repeatedly calling for a ceasefire and an inclusive Sudanese-led political process.
On the humanitarian front, the UN expressed deep concern over the increasing threat posed by drone attacks against civilians. It cited a recent strike in North Darfur that caused dozens of casualties and renewed attacks on El Obeid, warning that such incidents endanger civilians, damage critical infrastructure and disrupt humanitarian operations.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said aid agencies are expanding assistance to conflict-affected communities in North Kordofan, while urging all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe humanitarian access.
The UN also appealed for increased international funding, noting that Sudan’s 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan has received only about 40% of the $2.9 billion required to meet growing humanitarian needs.
