The United States has named a new special envoy to Sudan, Jeffrey Feltman, to support the peace process and the democratic transition in the African country. Feltman, a former UN under-secretary-general for political affairs and a former US assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, will replace Donald Booth, who served as the envoy since 2019.
Feltman’s appointment comes at a critical time for Sudan, which is undergoing a fragile transition to civilian rule after a popular uprising that toppled longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The transitional government, led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and a sovereign council composed of civilians and military officers, is facing multiple challenges, including economic crisis, security threats, and humanitarian needs.
Feltman’s main task will be to help Sudan achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace with the armed groups that have been fighting the central government for decades in the regions of Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile. The peace process, which was mediated by South Sudan, resulted in a landmark agreement signed in October 2020, but some rebel factions have not joined the deal and sporadic violence continues to erupt.
Feltman will also work to strengthen the bilateral relations between the US and Sudan, which have improved significantly in recent years. The US removed Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in December 2020, paving the way for debt relief and economic assistance. The US also restored its diplomatic presence in Sudan, reopening its embassy in Khartoum and its consulate in Darfur.
Feltman will coordinate with the international community, especially the African Union, the European Union, and the UN, to support Sudan’s transition and to mobilize resources and expertise. He will also engage with the Sudanese stakeholders, including the government, the opposition, the civil society, and the youth, to listen to their aspirations and concerns.
Feltman has extensive experience and knowledge of the region and the issues facing Sudan. He served as the UN’s top political official from 2012 to 2018, overseeing the UN’s diplomatic efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts around the world. He also served as the US ambassador to Lebanon from 2004 to 2008 and as the principal deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs from 2009 to 2012.
Feltman expressed his honor and gratitude for being appointed as the new envoy to Sudan and his readiness to assume his duties. He said that he looks forward to working with the Sudanese people and their partners to advance the cause of peace, democracy, and development in Sudan.
Source: Reuters
