Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Al-Sadiq, has appealed for the replacement of the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sudan’s Transition, UNAMID, currently held by Volker Perthes.
In a statement made on Thursday, Ali Al-Sadiq affirmed that Khartoum’s demand to replace Volker Perthes does not stem from any ulterior motives. He emphasized that Sudan’s stance isn’t meant to be a threat; rather, it’s an exercise of its legitimate right to decide who best serves the nation and its people and to oppose those who don’t.
He urged the UN Secretary-General to appoint a new representative as working under the current circumstances in Sudan can’t afford a leadership vacuum. Al-Sadiq further mentioned that Sudan succeeded in its endeavor to exclude Volker from a recent UN Security Council session, indicating that he is no longer a desirable figure for the Sudanese representation.
The UN Secretary-General had appointed the German, Volker Perthes, as his special representative in Sudan and the head of UNAMID in January 2021. The United Nations’ website mentions Perthes having a wealth of experience extending over 25 years in academia, research, international relations, and diplomacy, including roles within the UN. He is especially known for his expertise in conflict resolution and regional geopolitical matters.
Notably, UNAMID was established following the Security Council’s resolution number 2524 issued in 2020.
Between 2005 and September 2020, Perthes held leadership positions at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. From 2015 to 2018, he served as an aide to the UN Secretary-General and later as a senior advisor to the UN special envoy to Syria. He also played pivotal roles at the German Institute for International and Security Studies from 1992 to 2005. Starting his academic journey, he served as an assistant professor at the American University in Beirut from 1991 to 1993.
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Perthes holds a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Duisburg University, Germany.
The call for the replacement of Volker Perthes underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of Sudan’s relationship with international entities. As the nation navigates its transitional phase, the roles and figures that influence its trajectory remain of critical importance.
