Sudan: UN Envoy Presses Sudan Leader On Truce and Prisoner Exchange

What the report says

UN special envoy for Sudan Pekka Haavisto met in Khartoum with army chief and Sovereignty Council chair Gen. Abdelfattah El Burhan, along with Prime Minister Kamil Idris and Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim, in talks focused on easing tensions and seeking a path toward ending the war. According to Dabanga, Haavisto pressed for de-escalation, protection of civilians, and broader dialogue as part of efforts to move toward a sustainable ceasefire.

The envoy also raised the possibility of exchanging prisoners and civilian detainees, saying he hoped to continue discussions in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross. His remarks, as reported, framed dialogue as the route to lasting peace and signaled willingness to work with Sudanese parties and international partners on an inclusive political process.

Sudan’s leaders used the meetings to restate positions on sovereignty and outside involvement. Idris emphasized rejection of foreign interference, while Ibrahim said the Sudanese Armed Forces remain the constitutional force responsible for defending the country. Ibrahim also opposed expanding the current arms embargo beyond Darfur, arguing it would weaken the army. The talks come amid Sudan’s wider conflict, where diplomatic efforts have centered on ceasefire ideas, humanitarian access, and the terms of any future political settlement.