Haavisto concludes Gulf tour on Sudan and calls for de-escalation

14 May 2026 (PEN) The Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, concluded a Gulf tour that began on 4 May 2026, during which he held consultations in Doha, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh with government officials, representatives of Sudanese civil society and members of the diplomatic corps.

Haavisto reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan, calling for an immediate de-escalation and confidence-building measures, and stressing the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring access for humanitarian aid.

The UN envoy stressed the need to coordinate international efforts with regional partners, the Quartet, and the Quintet, in order to establish a political path led by Sudanese civilians that preserves the unity of the country.

On the ground, the United Nations and its partners continue to respond to humanitarian needs in Kordofan and South Kordofan, where relief agencies have provided water and sanitation services and cash assistance to some 88,000 displaced people, refugees and members of host communities, amid UN concern about continued fighting and endangering civilians.

Reports indicate that up to 6 people were killed and others injured in bombings and drone attacks in Dilling, South Kordofan, in addition to casualties and damage in El Geneina and Nyala, Darfur.

The Deputy Spokesperson for the United Nations, Farhan Haq, reiterated the call for all parties to abide by international law and facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been witnessing a conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces that has led to the displacement of millions of people and a deterioration of the humanitarian situation, especially in Darfur and Kordofan.