UN Envoy Meets Sudanese General Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Port Sudan, Sudan – The United Nations secretary-general’s personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, met Wednesday with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The meeting comes as the UN urges all parties involved in the Sudan conflict to use Lamamra’s visit as a chance to find an inclusive resolution and improve civilian protection.

In a press release, the UN stated Lamamra is focusing on consultations with various stakeholders to enhance civilian safety and reduce conflict tensions through potential proximity talks.

The situation in North Darfur remains critical, with the UN expressing deep concern over mass displacements and civilian casualties, particularly in areas like El Fasher and Tawila. Many residents have fled their homes following the takeover of Zakzam camp by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to the UN, hundreds of thousands of displaced persons have sought refuge elsewhere, exacerbating existing humanitarian needs.

“Some of these individuals have lived in Zamzam since the Darfur conflict began in 2003. Last August, famine conditions were reported here, highlighting the dire state of these people,” the release noted.

Recent artillery shelling in El Fasher, particularly around the Abu Shouk camp, has resulted in additional civilian casualties. The surge of displaced individuals into host communities is putting immense pressure on health services, water infrastructure, and local food systems across North Darfur.

The UN and its humanitarian partners are ramping up efforts to address the escalating needs. However, the scale of displacement, along with ongoing insecurity and logistical challenges, is hindering humanitarian access.

Despite these difficulties, aid agencies are organizing an aid convoy to North Darfur in the coming days, aiming to deliver supplies that could support up to 40,000 people. This cross-border mission will begin in Chad, move through Geneina in West Darfur, and ultimately reach Tawila in North Darfur.

The press release underscored the UN’s appeal for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure safe passage for civilians, and allow humanitarian efforts to proceed without hindrance.