Political talks show cautious optimism and a potential path to peace despite ongoing violence.

The quintet mediators—UN, African Union, IGAD, Arab League, and EU—have resumed dialogue among Sudanese parties and civil society, with sessions in Berlin and Addis Ababa, and Haavisto planning further regional engagement.

Haavisto will continue engagements with Sudanese stakeholders and regional actors, visiting Nairobi and consulting with Chad, South Sudan, and Uganda.

Haavisto urged curbing drone proliferation and called on the international community to address access to drone technology used in the conflict.

Dialogue with RSF leader Hemedti suggested civilians would not be targeted and humanitarian corridors would be protected, but verification is needed.

The UN human rights chief issued a red alert at the Human Rights Council over possible atrocity crimes in and around el-Obeid, central Sudan, urging world leaders to act to prevent civilian harm as the army and RSF clash.

Haavisto warned that the immediate civilian risks in El Obeid mirror past Sudan crises in Darfur and around El Fasher, underscoring the urgency of protecting civilians.

The UN's Sudan special envoy said the 2023 Jeddah agreement can still underpin future peace talks even as clashes intensify and humanitarian conditions worsen around El-Obeid.

There is no clear military solution in sight; both sides persist in seeking military gains, while regional governments increasingly reject a purely military end to the conflict.

Regional governments are leaning toward diplomacy and a negotiated path, rather than a military victory, as the conflict continues.

Haavisto is coordinating with about 10 non-governmental peace initiatives to prevent forum shopping by warring parties and to support a unified mediation effort.

Germany, Ireland, Norway, and the Netherlands backed the council’s decision to hold the urgent debate.