The Sudan UN General Assembly diplomacy is taking shape in New York as international efforts to end the country’s war continue.
Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is expected to lead Sudan’s formal state delegation.
Meanwhile, former prime minister Abdalla Hamdok has arrived with a delegation from the civilian Sumoud coalition.
The two men represent separate political tracks. However, Hamdok does not represent the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) or the Sudan Founding Alliance, known as TASIS.
Hamdok takes Sumoud message to New York
Hamdok is leading a Sumoud delegation for talks with US officials and international diplomats.
The delegation plans to hold meetings in New York and Washington, according to Sudan Tribune.
Sumoud is calling for an immediate ceasefire. It also wants greater humanitarian access and a civilian political process.
In addition, the coalition has rejected a dialogue initiative backed by Burhan.
Sumoud argues that Sudan needs an inclusive political process after the fighting stops.
Burhan heads Sudan’s formal delegation
Burhan is taking a different path at the Sudan UN General Assembly meetings.
He is expected to attend as head of Sudan’s formal state delegation.
Therefore, his delegation has a different status from Hamdok’s.
Hamdok and Sumoud are holding political and diplomatic meetings around the UN gathering. They are not representing Sudan in the General Assembly.
Meanwhile, Burhan has supported a separate dialogue process inside Sudan.
RSF and TASIS follow separate political track
Sudan’s political landscape extends beyond Burhan and Hamdok.
The RSF and TASIS represent another track in the country’s conflict and political crisis.
Importantly, TASIS is separate from Hamdok’s Sumoud coalition.
No separate RSF or TASIS delegation to the General Assembly had been publicly announced at the time of publication.
However, international mediators continue to engage with different Sudanese political and military actors.
These contacts form part of wider efforts to secure a ceasefire and reach a negotiated settlement.
International talks focus on Sudan war
The Sudan UN General Assembly diplomacy comes as international officials prepare for further talks on the conflict.
A high-level meeting in New York is expected to focus on the humanitarian crisis and prospects for a truce.
Officials are also expected to discuss efforts to establish a wider political process.
The United Nations, African Union and IGAD have been involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding Sudan.
Meanwhile, international mediators continue to call for humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.
The diplomatic activity in New York highlights Sudan’s different political tracks.
Burhan represents Sudan’s formal state delegation. Hamdok and Sumoud are promoting a separate civilian political path.
At the same time, the RSF and TASIS remain a separate part of Sudan’s political and military landscape as efforts continue to end the war.