UN leads new effort for prisoner swap in Sudan conflict
UN leads new effort for prisoner swap in Sudan conflict
Updated at: June 26, 2026 at 09:45 AM
In a significant diplomatic push, the United Nations has launched a new initiative to facilitate a prisoner-of-war exchange in Sudan.
Led by UN Envoy Pekka Haavisto, the effort aims to create a structured framework for the exchange of detainees between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This marks the first major international intervention for a prisoner swap since the civil war erupted in April 2023.
The Sudanese government has welcomed the proposal, which will be carried out in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Officials allege that the RSF is currently holding nearly 20,000 detainees, including soldiers, police, and civilians, in facilities like Nyala and El Fasher.
While previous small-scale swaps have occurred through tribal mediation, this UN-led approach represents a major escalation in diplomatic efforts.
UN officials emphasize that while prisoner releases are a vital humanitarian step, achieving lasting progress will ultimately require a formal cessation of hostilities to ensure the safety and success of these complex negotiations.
