UN supports Sudan envoy amid army’s expulsion attempt

Volker Perthes, the United Nations special envoy to Sudan, has been barred from returning to the country by the Sudanese foreign ministry. The move comes after Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres requesting Perthes’ replacement. The envoy has faced protests from military supporters who accuse him of foreign intervention and have demanded his dismissal. Guterres has expressed shock at the letter and reaffirmed his confidence in Perthes. Al-Burhan has accused Perthes of excluding voices that should have been involved in the transition to a civilian government, widening divisions in the country. The rival factions are currently observing a one-week ceasefire brokered by the US and Saudi Arabia.