*Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative Discusses Ways to End the War and Improve Humanitarian Conditions with the United Nations*

Sudanese voices Friday/15/may Addis_ Ababa As part of ongoing efforts to support peace initiatives and respond to Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, the Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative met with the United Nations Secretary_ General’s Special Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, at the headquarters of the United Nations in Addis Ababa. The two sides discussed the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in the Blue Nile Region, as well as ways to support civilians and enhance opportunities for peace and stability in the country. Representing the initiative at the meeting was Secretary-General Ali Hajo, who stressed that protecting civilians must remain as the top priority under the current circumstances. He also emphasized the need to open safe humanitarian corridors to ensure aid reaches affected communities and to reduce the suffering of residents in conflict areas. The initiative further highlighted the importance of limiting external interference and stopping the flow of weapons to the fighting parties, considering continued military support a major factor in prolonging the conflict and deepening the humanitarian and political crisis. It also called for an immediate and comprehensive humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of essential assistance, save civilian lives, and create a suitable environment for dialogue and peaceful settlement efforts. The meeting additionally addressed human rights concerns, particularly issues related to detention and arbitrary arrests, while stressing the importance of following international laws and conventions that protect fundamental rights and human dignity. For his part, Pekka Haavisto expressed interest in the humanitarian and national issues raised by the initiative, reaffirming the United Nations’s support for all efforts aimed at achieving peace, stability, and easing humanitarian suffering in Sudan, especially in the Blue Nile Region.