Pekka Haavisto, a former Finnish foreign minister and member of parliament, has been named the new Special Envoy for Sudan by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This was announced in a statement on Tuesday, which highlighted Haavisto's extensive experience in politics and international roles spanning over 40 years. His background in mediation and negotiation, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, positions him well for this new appointment.

The UN statement emphasizes Haavisto's previous work related to the Sudan crisis, noting his role as the EU's special representative in Darfur from 2005 to 2007 and as an advisor to the UN in the region. His past involvement in addressing issues in Sudan, especially during the Darfur conflict, is seen as crucial for the embassy's success and effectiveness in this newly assigned role. Haavisto is recognized for his commitment to resolving challenging situations in politically sensitive regions.

Haavisto has actively sought high-profile international roles for some time, as indicated by his previous application for the leadership of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) last autumn. His appointment reflects not just recognition of his past contributions, but also the hope that his diplomatic skills will aid in bringing stability to Sudan during a tumultuous time.