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UN Calls for an Investigation into Assassination Threats to its Sudan Envoy

Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Support Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) Volker Perthes (AFP)
Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Support Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) Volker Perthes (AFP)
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UN Calls for an Investigation into Assassination Threats to its Sudan Envoy

Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Support Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) Volker Perthes (AFP)
Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Support Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) Volker Perthes (AFP)

The United Nations Integrated Transition Support Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) is concerned about public threats to assassinate its head, Volker Perthes, expressing concern on Tuesday about a request for a fatwa seeking to assassinate him.

UNITMAS spokeswoman May Yaqoubi said in a press release that the mission is deeply concerned about a videotape circulating on social media showing a man speaking at a public event in Khartoum and asking for a fatwa to be issued allowing him to assassinate the UN envoy.

In a video on social media, a man is seen speaking to a gathering that included politicians loyal to ousted President Omar al-Bashir.

"I volunteer to assassinate Volker, and I request a fatwa (religious legal opinion) to make his blood permissible," the man said, referring to Perthes.

The statement criticized the "language of incitement and violence," warning that it would "only deepen divisions on the ground, but it will not deter the mission from carrying out its duties."

It welcomed the voices condemning the video and its content, calling on the Sudanese authorities to take legal action and ensure a proper investigation.

The Special Representative affirmed the mission's commitment to supporting Sudan in achieving a political transition to democratic rule, as set out in its mandate issued by the Security Council.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke over the phone with Chair of the Sovereign Council General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, highlighting US support for Sudanese democratic aspirations and urging the swift formation of a civilian-led transitional government.

Media affiliated with the Sovereign Council said the officials reviewed Sudanese-US relations and their future.

Burhan briefed Blinken on the progress of the political process and the challenges encountered by the country.

Blinken stressed that the US supported Sudan's political process and vowed to assist in overcoming the hurdles hindering the country's progress.

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Damascus and SDF Face Hurdles over Integration, Decentralization

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF Leader Mazloum Abdi signed integration deal in Damascus in March. (EPA)
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF Leader Mazloum Abdi signed integration deal in Damascus in March. (EPA)
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Damascus and SDF Face Hurdles over Integration, Decentralization

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF Leader Mazloum Abdi signed integration deal in Damascus in March. (EPA)
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF Leader Mazloum Abdi signed integration deal in Damascus in March. (EPA)

The issues of “integration” and “decentralization” continue to pose significant hurdles in negotiations between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), sources close to the talks in Damascus said.

Amid the stalled efforts, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced that he welcomes a potential Saudi role in mediation, reflecting Riyadh’s unique influence and acceptance among various Syrian factions.

He made the announcement amid reported Kurdish concerns over Türkiye’s growing role in the negotiations.

Following the postponement of a planned meeting between the Syrian government and the SDF in Paris amid conflicting statements from northeastern Syria, Abdi spoke to Al Arabiya on Tuesday, saying Saudi Arabia “could play a positive role as a mediator” in talks with Damascus.

Abdi pointed to recent violence in the Sweida province as a reminder of the urgent need for “negotiations and reaching an agreement.” He added that upcoming talks in Paris would focus on the mechanism for integrating SDF forces into the Syrian army.

The SDF leader reiterated his group’s agreement with Damascus on “a united Syria under one army and one flag,” adding that the SDF would become part of Syria’s Ministry of Defense. However, he also highlighted Kurdish apprehension about joining the Syrian army “without constitutional guarantees.”

On the implementation of the March 10 agreement, Abdi said his forces aim to fulfill all terms before the year’s end, but acknowledged the process is slow due to “issues on both sides.”

The dialogue between interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration and Abdi is seen as a key pathway toward establishing a political process that will define Syria’s state structure and governance model. But, according to Turkish-Kurdish affairs analyst Khurshid Deli, the track faces considerable challenges.

Deli told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the first major problem is the fundamental divergence in visions.” While Damascus insists on a centralized state, the SDF and other Syrian groups advocate for decentralization, believing it best ensures political partnership through a constitutional process that protects all communities’ rights.

The second major obstacle concerns the concept of “integration.” Damascus views integration as requiring the SDF and all autonomous administration institutions in northeast Syria to join state structures individually.

In contrast, the SDF sees integration as maintaining these institutions with restructured coordination with Damascus, preserving Kurdish and other communities’ rights within a new Syrian state framework.

The Turkish factor also complicates dialogue. Ankara exerts pressure on Damascus to uphold its vision while simultaneously causing anxiety within the SDF, which regards talks with Damascus as an internal Syrian matter.

Deli said Abdi’s welcoming of a Saudi role is significant given Riyadh’s capacity and acceptance among all Syrian factions.

Paris is slated to host renewed talks between Damascus and the SDF in the coming days. Deli said France, supported by Western countries, appears to be banking on “softening disagreements between the two sides.”

Both parties remain committed to dialogue and appear ready to make concessions toward a final deal. Deli suggested the Syrian government might need to reassess its approach to the internal Syrian landscape following recent security incidents in coastal areas, Sweida, and elsewhere, alongside its outreach abroad.

French media have reported preparations for negotiation sessions between the SDF and the Syrian government in the coming weeks, involving senior officials from both sides.