Volker Perthes, the United Nations special envoy to Sudan, is resigning from his position, leaving behind a nation engulfed in a brutal war that erupted after Sudanese factions clashed, even though Sudan had declared him unwelcome more than three months ago. Perthes, who served in this role for 2 1/2 years, made this announcement during a U.N. Security Council meeting on Wednesday.
The conflict in Sudan has forced millions of people to flee their homes due to the horrifying mix of ethnic and sexual violence, with neighboring countries offering refuge to those seeking safety.
Perthes expressed deep concern during his final address to the Security Council, warning that what began as a clash between military factions could be spiraling into a full-blown civil war. He did not mince words, pointing fingers at those he believed were responsible for the ongoing violence.
“Indiscriminate aerial bombings are often carried out by those with air forces, namely the SAF. Most cases of sexual violence, lootings, and killings occur in areas controlled by the RSF, either conducted or tolerated by the RSF and their allies,” Perthes stated.
Moreover, he revealed disturbing details about both sides in the conflict, including arbitrary arrests, detentions, and even torture of civilians, along with reports of extrajudicial killings.
This war in Sudan has been ongoing for four years, emerging in the wake of a popular uprising that ousted President Omar al-Bashir. The tensions between the army and the RSF, who jointly staged a coup in 2021, escalated into a violent conflict as they disagreed over integrating their forces during the transition to civilian rule. Numerous countries have attempted mediation efforts, but none have succeeded in halting the relentless fighting.
It’s worth noting that even before the war, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had voiced his displeasure with Perthes, and supporters of former President Bashir had protested against Perthes’ mission. Sudan had officially declared Perthes persona non grata back in June, leading him to work from outside the country. The United Nations clarified that U.N. personnel cannot be declared persona non grata.
As the conflict rages on with no end in sight, the grim reality is that civilians continue to suffer and lose their lives, while many are left to eke out a living in the midst of this devastating war.
