UN timeline of diplomatic efforts

15 April

UNSC President, Russian Federation, expressed deep concern over the military clash between SAF and RSF and urged the parties to immediately cease hostilities.

Head of UNITAMS and SRSG Volker Perthes:

  • condemned the eruption of fighting
  • reached out to both SAF and RSF for immediate cessation of hostilities

16 April

UN Secretary-General condemned the death and injuries of civilians, including death of three staff of WFP in North Darfur.

SRSG Volker Perthes condemned the attack on UN staff and humanitarian assets in Darfur in North Darfur.

SRSG Volker Perthes announced the agreement of the leadership of the two parties to the proposal by the SRSG Perthes and the Trilateral Mechanism for temporary humanitarian pause on 16 April.

17 April

SRSG Volker Perthes expressed extreme disappointment over the failure of the two forces to fully honour the commitment they made for a temporary humanitarian pause in fighting.

UN Security Council discussed the situation in Sudan ‘under any other business’.

20 April

UN Secretary-General spoke to the reporters on Sudan, at the UN Security Council stakeout, appealing for a three-day ceasefire, marking the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

25 April

UN Security Council convened for an open briefing at the request of UK, the penholder on the file of Sudan.

26 April

SRSG Volker Perthes expressed deep concern over reports of violence in El Geneina (West Darfur) that appeared to be taking inter-communal dimensions.

6 May

The Trilateral Mechanism welcomed the Saudi-American initiative to facilitate the technical talks between the representatives of SAF and RSF in Jeddah.

11 May

UN Security Council held closed consultations on Sudan, upon the request of UK, the penholder on the file, to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian and security situations in the country.

The Trilateral Mechanism welcomed the signing of a Declaration of Commitment to protect the civilians of Sudan by SAF and RSF.

2 June

The UN Security Council, in a Press Statement :

  • strongly condemned all attacks on civilians, UN and associated personnel and humanitarian actors, as well as civilian objects, medical personnel and facilities, and the looting of humanitarian supplies
  • urged the parties to immediately cease hostilities, facilitate humanitarian access, establish a permanent ceasefire arrangement, and resume the process towards reaching a lasting, inclusive, and democratic political settlement in Sudan
  • reaffirmed their firm support to African leadership, and noted the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan
  • welcomed the AU’s work to establish an Expanded Mechanism and Core Group
  • welcomed the 11 May Jeddah Declaration as well as the 20 May ceasefire
  • expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on neighbouring countries
  • underlined that the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) signed on 3 October 2020 remains binding for all its signatories and must be implemented in full, in particular its provisions on a permanent ceasefire in Darfur

15 June

UNITAMS strongly condemned the killing of Governor of West Darfur in El Geneina, Mr. Khamis Abdullah, who was a signatory of the Juba Peace Agreement.

26 June

UNITAMS expressed grave concern over the violence in Kurmuk locality of the Blue Nile Region following the violence that erupted between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/North (SPLM/N) - Al Hilu, and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on 25 and 26 June 2023.

4&7 July

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) to the African Union (AU) and Head of the UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Ayanga, conferred with European Ambassadors based in Addis Ababa. They discussed the Jeddah peace process shortcomings, cautioned the proliferation of peace initiatives, and underscored the mediation roles of the AU and IGAD.

11 October

The UN Human Rights Council Decided to establish an independent international fact-finding mission with a team of three to investigate alleged human rights and international humanitarian law violations in Sudan's war. The resolution was approved by 19 favors, 16 objections, and 12 abstentions.

16 October 

A UN expert expressed concern about the risk of recruitment and use of children by warring parties since the onset of hostilities in Sudan.

16 November

Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee gave the following remarks to the UN Security Council:

  • Welcomed the resumption of peace talks in Jeddah on 29 October.
  • Coordinated regional and international leverage and reinforced linkages to ongoing civilian initiatives will be essential to strengthen the peace talks and the likelihood of further progress.
  • The Statement of Commitments adopted by the parties in Jeddah on 7 November is an important first step towards addressing the needs of the Sudanese people.
  • Welcomed the launch of the Humanitarian Forum on 13 November, hopeful that it will facilitate the implementation of humanitarian commitments made in Jeddah.
  • Welcomed the initiatives by civilian actors to coalesce around a common peace platform.
  • Welcomed the consultative meeting of signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, convened in Juba on 24 and 25 October, and appreciated the Government of South Sudan for hosting this meeting.
  • A joined-up mediation approach will be essential to not only increase pressure on the parties but also ensure that ceasefire and civilian political tracks are harmonized and integrated.
  • Diplomatic efforts should also include regional states that can exercise tangible leverage on the warring parties to end the war.
  • The Secretary-General initiated a UNITAMS strategic review led by Ian Martin. This aims to tailor the mission's mandate to Sudan's current context for enhanced support in achieving peace and stability. Mr. Martin will consult extensively with Sudanese authorities, civil society, regional organizations, Member States, and relevant UN entities.

21 November

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Ramtane Lamamra of Algeria Personal Envoy for Sudan

13 December

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed support for the IGAD summit's positive developments in Sudan. Guterres pledged the UN's commitment to back African partners' mediation efforts and collaborate with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution. Guterres remains deeply concerned about the parties' reluctance to cease hostilities, emphasizing his Special Envoy's (Ramtane Lamamra) readiness for peace efforts.

18 December

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) President, Václav Bálek appointed Mohamed Chande Othman (Tanzania), Joy Ezeilo (Nigeria), and Mona Rishmawi (Jordan/Switzerland) as members of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan. Mr. Othman will serve as Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission, which was established in October 2023 with the mandate:

  • To investigate and establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, including those committed against refugees, and related crimes in the context of the ongoing armed conflict that began on 15 April 2023.

21 December

The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairumu Nderitu, urged all warring parties, particularly SAF and RSF, to immediately cease hostilities and stop targeting civilians. The Advisor expressed grave concern over escalating violence in Wad Madani, Al Jazirah State, El Fasher, North Darfur, and Nyala in South Darfur.

4 January 2024

The UN Relief Chief Martin Griffiths, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged the international community to take decisive and swift action to end Sudan's nearly nine-month civil war. Griffiths expressed his concern regarding the hostilities in Al-Jazirah state and emphasizing the need for immediate actions in 2024 to address the evolving humanitarian crisis, safeguard civilians, and bring an end to the ongoing conflict.

11 January 2024

The RSF leader Hemetti spoke with UN Secretary-General Guterres via telephone call to discuss on the conflict and bring peace in Sudan. Hemetti welcomed the appointment of Lamamra as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan and committed to cooperating with UN agencies to address humanitarian conditions.

14 January 2024

Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy to Sudan, made his first visit to Sudan, meeting with SAF leader Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Lamamra affirmed his dedication to collaborating with all stakeholders for a peaceful resolution, noting he gained valuable insights into ending the conflict and initiating a peace process in Sudan.

18 January 2024

The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan commenced its work, urging warring parties to cease conflict, protect civilians and ensure accountability. The mission was established in October 2023 by the UN Human Rights Council through a resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2, with the aim to investigate all alleged human rights violations since the outbreak of the conflict on 15 April 2023.

29 February 2024

UNITAMS was closed in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2715

8 March 2024

UN Security adopted resolution 2724 (2024), calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities by the warring parties in Sudan during the month of Ramadan. The resolution also urged all parties to ensure the removal of any obstruction and enable full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access.

11 April 2024

UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan urges warring parties to halt fighting, protect civilians, and allow free flow of aid.

19 April 2024

UN Security Council convened an open briefing to discuss the situation in Sudan.

27 April 2024

UN Security Council issued press statement on Sudan. Members of the Security Council:

  • Expressed their deep concern over imminent offensive by RSF and allied militias against El Fasher;
  • Urged warring parties to de-escalate the situation and end military build ups;
  • Reiterated their calls for immediate cessation of hostilities;
  • Urged all Member States to refrain from external interference.

29 April 2024

UN Security Council convened for closed consultations to discuss the security and humanitarian situations in Sudan.

23 May 2024

UN Security Council convened for a private meeting to discuss the situation in Sudan during Mozambique’s presidency.

29 May 2024

UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra met with SAF leader General al-Burhan to discuss on the role of UN in addressing the crisis.

6 June 2024

UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the attack reportedly carried out on 5 June by the RSF in the Wad Al-Noora village, Gezira state, which is said to have killed over 100 people.

13 June 2024

UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2736 (2024) demanding that the RSF halt the siege of El Fasher and calling for an immediate to the fighting and de-escalation in and around the capital city of North Darfur state. The Resolution also called for the Sudanese authorities to reopen the Adre border crossing for delivery of humanitarian assistance.

11-19 July 2024

The delegations of SAF and RSF held ‘proximity talks’ in Geneva under the auspice of the Personal Envoy of UN Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra. The delegations separately engaged on the distribution of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians. No agreement resulted from the Talks but one of the parities announced commitments to enhance humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians.

18 November 2024

The UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution on protecting civilians in Sudan due to a veto by Russia. The draft resolution, supported by 14 of the 15 council members, including China, called on the SAF and the RSF to fully implement their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration of 11 May 2023. It also urged both sides to cease hostilities, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access, and agree to a nationwide ceasefire.

3 December 2024

The UN Resident Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed grave concern over reports from humanitarian organizations that Zamzam camp, near El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, came under gunfire and intense shelling on the evenings of 1 and 2 December 2024.

22-24 December 2024

The Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, visited Port Sudan, where he met with senior officials, including SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to discuss UN-led peace efforts. He also engaged with senior diplomats from various countries to explore regional and international support for the peace process. Lamamra emphasized the need for coherence and unity among the various peace initiatives.

25 December 2024

Lamamra traveled to Addis Ababa to meet with an RSF delegation, focusing on implementing the recommendations from the Secretary-General’s 21 October 2024 report on civilian protection in Sudan.

24 January 2025

The UN Secretary-General urged the warring parties to avoid actions with potentially grave consequences for Sudan and the region, including economic and environmental risks, amid escalating fighting, particularly around the al-Jili oil refinery north of Khartoum and in El Fasher, Darfur.

26 January 2025

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed concerns over the 24 January attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in Al Fasher, North Darfur. The attack reportedly killed at least 70 patients and their relatives, while dozens more were wounded.

31 January 2025

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep alarm over reports of summary executions of civilians allegedly carried out by fighters and militias allied to the SAF in Khartoum North. According to verified information from the UN Human Rights Office, at least 18 people were killed in seven separate incidents since SAF regained control of the area on 25 January.

17 February 2025

The Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, met with the AU High-Level Panel on Sudan and the AU Commission’s Special Representative, Mohamed Belaiche, to discuss strengthening partnerships for a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Sudan.

24 February 2025

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the RSF’s announcement of a political charter signalling its intention to establish a parallel government in Sudan. He warned that this escalation further fragments the country and deepens the crisis.

26 February 2025

The UN Security Council received its regular 120-day briefing on Sudan under Resolution 2715, delivered by Edem Wosornu, Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at OCHA. Wosornu outlined alarming developments in North Darfur and urged the Council to take immediate action to ensure all parties comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians in Zamzam camp and beyond.

5 March 2025

The UN Security Council issued Press Statement on Sudan. In the Statement, Members of the UN Security Council:

  • Expressed grave concern over the signing of a charter to establish a parallel governing authority in Sudan;
  • Underscored that such actions risk exacerbating the ongoing conflict in Sudan, fragmenting the country and worsening an already-dire humanitarian situation;
  • Reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, emphasizing that any unilateral steps that undermine these principles threaten the stability of both Sudan and the broader region.

13 April 2025

The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the killing of scores of civilians in attacks on the town of El Fasher, as well as Zamzam, Abu Shouk and other nearby sites where displaced people are sheltering, in Sudan's North Darfur State.

14 April 2025

On the second anniversary of the Sudanese conflict, the UN Secretary-General issued a statement lamenting its devastating consequences and highlighting several points to address the ongoing crisis:

  • Reminded the warring parties of their obligations under international law and their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration of May 2023 to protect civilians, urging them to translate these commitments into concrete action.
  • Emphasised the importance of independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into all reports of violations and abuses.
  • Urged external actors to halt their support and the flow of weapons to the conflict parties.
  • Called on those with the greatest influence over the parties to use their leverage to improve the lives of people in Sudan, rather than perpetuate the ongoing disaster.
  • Stressed the urgent need for comprehensive, revitalised, and well-coordinated political efforts to prevent Sudan’s further fragmentation.
  • Reaffirmed his commitment to continue engaging regional leaders to enhance collective efforts for peace and ensure that mediation initiatives are mutually reinforcing.
  • Reaffirmed his commitment to explore ways with the parties to bring them closer to a peaceful solution, while supporting and empowering civilians as they work towards a common vision for Sudan’s future.

17 April 2025

The Security Council issued a Press Statement on Sudan:

  • Expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, including in and around El Fasher, North Darfur.
  • Strongly condemned repeated attacks by the RSF on El Fasher, as well as on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which resulted in the deaths of at least 400 civilians, including children, and at least 11 aid workers.
  • Called for the RSF to be held accountable for these attacks.
  • Reiterated their demand for the RSF to lift the siege of El Fasher and called for an immediate halt to the fighting and de-escalation in and around the city.
  • Urged accountability for the RSF and all perpetrators of attacks on civilians and human rights violations and abuses in Sudan.
  • Called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, comply with international law, and honor their commitments under the Jeddah Talks.
  • Expressed deep concern at the two-year anniversary of the conflict and its impact on the Sudanese people and the wider region, urging parties to the conflict to seize the opportunity of UN-led proximity talks to end the crisis.
  • Urged all Member States to refrain from external interference and reminded them of their obligations under the arms embargo.

23 April 2025

UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, met with the Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council in Port Sudan and delivered a message from the Secretary-General regarding the UN’s role in supporting efforts to establish peace in Sudan.

8 May 2025

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement issued by his Spokesperson’s office, warned that any further escalation of the conflict could result in massive civilian casualties and further deteriorate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in the country. Issued in response to the drone attacks on Port Sudan, the statement noted that ‘the expansion of the conflict into an area that has served as a place of refuge for a large number of displaced people is alarming.’

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