CEO Janne Taalas calls the appointment “a historic moment for Finland” with CMI’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa adding that it represents an opportunity to strengthen the role of the UN in peace efforts in Sudan.
Member of Parliament and former Foreign Minister of Finland, Pekka Haavisto, has been appointed Personal Envoy for Sudan by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Haavisto is a peace negotiator with over forty years of experience in politics and international affairs. He currently serves as a member of the Finnish parliament.
“The appointment underscores Pekka Haavisto’s personal qualifications and the strength of Finnish diplomacy,” says Janne Taalas, CMI CEO. “Pekka brings exceptional experience, credibility and diplomatic skill to this role.”
“It’s a historic moment for Finland,” adds Taalas. “It represents the continuation of a distinguished tradition of Finnish leadership at the United Nations: from Martti Ahtisaari’s service in Namibia, the former Yugoslavia and Kosovo, to Harri Holkeri’s role in Kosovo.”
“The appointment represents the continuation of a distinguished tradition of Finnish leadership at the United Nations” – Janne Taalas
As the United Nations deals with geopolitical fragmentation, the role of the Secretary-General and his envoys is more important than ever, says Taalas: “In the current environment, we could see the impact of UN envoys grow significantly, but much will depend on how boldly the Secretary-General uses this new space to act.
He adds: “The UN remains indispensable, with unmatched operational capabilities in humanitarian action, peacekeeping and human rights. These are essential foundations for peace. A strong UN envoy can help align regional and multilateral efforts and give greater coherence to mediation initiatives.”
A timely nomination for Sudan
According to CMI experts, this is an important nomination for Sudan, arriving at a moment when coordinated international engagement is underway, but with more urgently needed.
“Haavisto’s appointment is an opportunity to strengthen the role of the UN in efforts to advance peace in Sudan” – Tiina Kukkamaa-Bah
“There is new momentum to advance peace in Sudan,” says Tiina Kukkamaa-Bah, head of CMI’s Sub-Saharan Africa team. “We see this through the initiatives of the so-called Quad as well as the formation of the so-called Quintet, which brings together the African Union, IGAD, League of Arab States, UN and the EU in a coordinated and coherent process.”
Kukkamaa-Bah adds that current peace efforts by the Quintet are focused on launching a Sudanese-owned and inclusive inter-Sudanese political dialogue aiming at ending the war and establishing a lasting peaceful transition to civilian-led government. “Haavisto’s appointment is an opportunity to strengthen the role of the UN in the efforts to advance peace in Sudan,” she says.
“Haavisto has good networks in the region and an excellent understanding of the root causes of the current conflict.” – Tiina Kukkamaa-Bah
Pekka Haavisto served in Sudan from 2005 to 2007 as the EU’s Special Representative. He was also a United Nations Senior Advisor to the Darfur peace process and worked for the United Nations Environment Programme from 1999 to 2005.
“Haavisto has good networks in the region and an excellent understanding of the root causes of the current conflict. He understands why previous peace processes met challenges,” says Kukkamaa-Bah. “It’s a very good basis to facilitate peacemaking that should centre on inclusivity and the search for sustainable peace.”