Why Sudan wants UN envoy dismissed
More than 100 Sudanese political and civic leaders are demanding the removal of UN envoy Ramtane Lamamra, accusing him of bias toward the military and failing to lead an effective peace process in Sudan.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, 103 signatories, including politicians, rights activists, and journalists, claimed Lamamra's approach has undermined the UN's credibility and worsened the conflict.
They argue that his "continuation in his position is complicating the crisis and undermining the United Nations’ efforts.", Sudan Tribune reports.
Appointed in November 2023 as UN Secretary-General Guterres's personal envoy for Sudan, following the termination of the UN’s previous mission, UNITAMS, Lamamra was expected to help steer the North African nation towards peace. However, critics say the Algerian has not made progress in securing a ceasefire or curbing the use of humanitarian access as a war tactic.
The letter accuses Lamamra of amplifying military narratives, ignoring civilian political voices, and endorsing illegitimate appointments within Sudan’s military-led government.
With over 4 decades of experience, Lamamra has held a number of high-level government posts in Algeria, including those of Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, and President's State and Diplomatic Advisor. He was the African Union's Commissioner for Peace and Security from 2008 to 2013.
Calls for his dismissal come as Sudan’s conflict continues to devastate the country, displacing over 12 million people and sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The group is urging the appointment of a new envoy with proven diplomatic and negotiation skills to rebuild trust and refocus the UN’s role in facilitating an inclusive political solution.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
