Political Solution in Sudan Needed Now to Restore Credible, Fully Functioning Civilian-led Government, Special Representative Tells Security Council

Nearly a year after the October 2021 military takeover in Sudan, the United Nations top official in that country updated Security Council members today on the African nation’s distressing political stalemate amid a worsening humanitarian and socioeconomic crisis.

Volker Perthes, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), told Council members that the country’s overall situation will deteriorate unless a political solution is found to restore a credible, fully functioning civilian-led Government.  The military’s decision to withdraw from politics, alongside recent initiatives by civilian forces, offer a window of opportunity for the military and political forces to reach agreement on the way forward.  “Time is of the essence, however:  the longer political paralysis lasts, the more difficult it will become to return to the ‘transition’ UNITAMS is mandated to assist,” said Mr. Perthes, who last updated the Council in May.  “I urge all actors to seize this opportunity and reach a credible agreement on a solution that enjoys legitimacy in the eyes of Sudanese women and men.”

The trilateral mechanism, consisting of UNITAMS, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD,) has engaged with all the initiatives proposed by several political and civil society actors.  Almost all initiatives want the trilateral mechanism to play a role, either in bringing the different programmes together, developing bridging proposals, or eventually facilitating or mediating and helping implement an agreement with the military.

The lack of implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement fosters instability while the protocols to address the factors behind the conflict in Darfur — which include equitable wealth sharing, justice and reconciliation, land reform and the return of internally displaced persons — remain unfulfilled.  “In the absence of a political agreement, it will be difficult to advance these issues,” he said.  Turning to the country’s humanitarian situation, Mr. Perthes said humanitarian needs are at record levels due to political instability, the economic crisis, an increase in intercommunal violence, poor harvests and now flooding.  About 11.7 million people are facing acute hunger and the number is heading upward.

Ibrahim Mudawi, President of the Sudan Social Development Organization, speaking via videoconference, said that while the overthrow of the Islamic regime in 2019 let the country shift from dictatorship to democracy, the situation has deteriorated since the October 2021 military coup.  Yet despite the growing insecurity — especially in Darfur — and problems with food and administration, efforts continue to reach agreement on establishing a civilian-led Government and “sending the military back to their barracks”, he said.  The various factions that signed the Juba Peace Agreement must be unified into one professional army so that they are not “roaming amongst civilians”, which is the case now.  Without a unified army, there will always be a risk of inter-factional fighting that might lead to a civil war and any civilian Government will lack authority.

Turning to the state of emergency across Sudan, he said many houses and villages have been destroyed by flooding, inflation is increasing and civil servants are not adequately paid.  The transitional process must focus on stabilizing the economy and enabling a constitutional process that lets elections occur.  A transitional-justice model must be established to address the atrocities committed during the Islamic regime’s 30-year rule.  In addition, services like schools and medical facilities are inadequate and deteriorating, much of the population is homeless and women in rural or conflict-affected areas are struggling to provide food for their families as heads of household.

Council members stressed the urgency of using this window of opportunity to move Sudan forward to a civilian-led transition democracy.  Ireland’s representative urged the military to enable an environment conducive to genuine progress.  All stakeholders need to put aside their differences and grasp this opportunity to shape Sudan’s political future in a spirit of compromise and consensus, he said, noting that the window of opportunity may not be open for long to chart a path back to a civilian-led democratic transition.  The international community must redouble their support to help consensus-building among Sudan’s democratic stakeholders and bolster the roles of UNITAMS and the trilateral mechanism.  For this process to have any chance of success, women must be at its centre, he underscored.

The delegate from Brazil commended the progress made on the Joint Security Keeping Forces and said a quicker, bolder implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement is necessary.  If not, the Agreement will not inspire credibility for Sudanese civilians.  “Frequent outbreaks of violence have shown that palliative measures alone cannot provide security in Darfur and the two areas,” he said, referring to the South Kordofan and Blue Nile region.  He welcomed the transitional constitution drafted by the Sudanese Bar Association, highlighting the participation of civil society representatives.  He also voiced his support for a political dialogue that is inclusive, Sudanese-owned and paves the way for a legitimate democratic transition in Sudan.

Turning to the country’s dire and worsening humanitarian situation, Albania’s delegate said recent torrential rains and severe flooding led to hundreds of victims and thousands of injured as homes, infrastructure and crops were destroyed.  About 14.3 million people need humanitarian assistance and up to 11.7 million people will be vulnerable to food insecurity.  Sudanese authorities must provide unfettered humanitarian access to everyone affected by conflict, and end intercommunal violence, particularly in the Blue Nile region.

The representative of Gabon, also speaking on behalf of Kenya and Ghana, pointed as well to the alarming deterioration of the country’s humanitarian situation, its economic crisis and the risk of food shortages.  With floods and droughts exacerbating an already fragile situation and causing massive population displacement, he called on the international community to fund humanitarian operations.  He urged Sudanese authorities to enable unimpeded humanitarian access, including to conflict areas, and for UNITAMS to work closely with authorities to facilitate the rapid implementation of development plans and programmes.  He encouraged Sudan to use the recent progress on the ground and welcomed the draft of a new constitutional framework.  He invited Sudanese authorities and all stakeholders to embrace an inclusive and constructive process.

The representative of China described the Juba Peace Agreement as “hard-won” and urged the international community to provide financial and technical support to accelerate its implementation.  The Council-imposed sanctions, in relation to Darfur, have severely restricted the Sudanese Government’s ability to maintain stability and protect civilians.  The measures should be adjusted to consider the evolving situations.  He regretted that the Council did not lay down benchmarks for changing the sanctions regime before the 31 August deadline set by resolution 2620 (2022).  Those benchmarks should be clearly defined and realistic and not go beyond the situation in Darfur and become a tool to delay the lifting of the sanctions against Sudan.

The representative of Sudan said political actors in Sudan should continue their efforts to reach a political consensus, end the stalemate and build a country where freedom, peace and justice prevail.  The political process is ongoing and all parties will give precedence to Sudan’s interests and ensure the transfer of power to civilians.  In addition, the military will withdraw from the political scene.  The Sudanese Armed Forces have repeatedly committed to sponsoring and protecting the transition to facilitate free and fair elections.  He called on the international community to provide technical and financial support to implement the Juba Peace Agreement, which has highly complex and costly security arrangements.  He said UNITAMS has a role to play in implementing the Agreement and the Mission should consider what it has done to implement the Agreement at the desired pace.

Also speaking today were delegates from the United Kingdom, Norway, United Arab Emirates, United States, India, Mexico, Russian Federation and France.

The meeting began at 10:14 a.m. and ended at 12 p.m.

Briefings

VOLKER PERTHES, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), said since his last briefing in May, there are new political dynamics in Sudan as the socioeconomic situation deteriorates and humanitarian and socioeconomic needs grow exponentially.  The overall situation will continue to worsen unless a political solution is found to restore a credible, fully functioning civilian-led Government.  This means a Government that can re-establish the authority — or in some cases the sheer presence — of the State across the country and create conditions to resume international financial support, including debt relief.  “Such a solution is by no means guaranteed.  But there is still a chance to reach a new political agreement that would inaugurate a new transitional period and set the country on a more sustainable transition path towards civilian-led democratic governance,” he said.

On 25 October, the military coup in Sudan will be one year old and the past 10 months have been marked by regular protests against the coup.  About 117 people were killed and thousands injured during the protests, which were frequently met with excessive force.  Efforts to realize the goals of the 2018-2019 revolution have continued, particularly among youth, women, trade unions and professional associations.  Regarding the political process, the military has taken some important decisions and some promising developments have happened among civilian actors.  Several political and civil society actors have come forward with umbrella initiatives aimed at bridging gaps between or uniting political parties and movements.  The trilateral mechanism, consisting of UNITAMS, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has engaged with all these different initiatives.  Almost all initiatives want the trilateral mechanism to play a role — either in bringing the different programmes together, developing bridging proposals, or eventually facilitating or mediating and helping implement an agreement with the military.  He said that he is encouraged by the considerable degree of commonality among these initiatives.  Most coalesce around the need for a civilian Head of State and a Cabinet, composed not of party leaders but of experts or technocrats, as well as a limited set of tasks for a new transitional Government, he said.  Almost all agree that the military should have a role in the transitional institutions, but one restricted to military and defence policies.  A few key issues remain in dispute:  those revolving around the institutional division of powers, and the delineation of respective responsibilities and competencies of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the military leadership and a non-executive Head of State.  “The opportunity is there to end this political crisis and the military and civilian forces must urgently seize it,” he said.  “While any political agreement needs to be fully Sudanese-owned, the trilateral mechanism stands ready to convene the parties around one text so as to bridge the remaining differences.”  The trilateral mechanism also continues to encourage all parties to support the meaningful participation of women, noting their virtual absence to date.

The lack of implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement continues to contribute to instability, and protocols to address the drivers of the conflict in Darfur, including equitable wealth sharing, justice and reconciliation, land reform, and return of internally displaced persons, remain unfulfilled.  “In the absence of a political agreement, it will be difficult to advance these issues,” he said.  Turning to the humanitarian situation, he said humanitarian needs are at record levels due to the political instability, economic crisis, the rise in intercommunal violence, poor harvests and now flooding.  About 11.7 million people are facing acute hunger and the number is increasing.  Coupled with dramatic price increases for basic goods and high inflation, daily life is a struggle for survival for many Sudanese.  While the United Nations and partner organizations managed to reach 7.1 million people in need since January, the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan is only funded at 32 per cent.

He said that nearly a year after the military takeover of 25 October, Sudan still lacks a fully functional and legitimate Government.  The military’s decision to withdraw from politics and the recent initiatives by civilian forces offer a window of opportunity for the military and political forces to reach agreement on the way forward.  “Time is of the essence, however:  the longer political paralysis lasts, the more difficult it will become to return to the ‘transition’ UNITAMS is mandated to assist,” he said.  “I urge all actors to seize this opportunity and reach a credible agreement on a solution that enjoys legitimacy in the eyes of Sudanese women and men.”

IBRAHIM MUDAWI, President of the Sudan Social Development Organization, speaking via videoconference, said that, while the overthrow of the Islamic regime in 2019 provided an opportunity for his country to transition from dictatorship to democracy, things have deteriorated since the October 2021 military coup.  However, despite growing insecurity — especially in Darfur — and problems with food and administration, efforts have persisted to reach agreement on establishing a civilian-led Government and “sending the military back to their barracks”, he said.  While the latter goal is easier said than done, he stressed that the various factions that signed the Juba Peace Agreement must be unified into one professional army so that they are not “roaming amongst civilians”, which is the case now.  Further, without a unified army, there will always be a risk of inter-factional fighting that might lead to a civil war and any civilian Government will lack authority.

He went on to highlight the current state of emergency across Sudan, where many houses and villages have been destroyed due to flooding, inflation is increasing and civil servants are not adequately paid.  The current Government’s response is weak — if it exists at all — and the situation must be stabilized by establishing a civilian-led Government that is accepted by the population, especially the youth.  Underscoring that the transitional process must focus on stabilizing the economy and facilitating a constitutional process that allows for elections to occur, he also spotlighted other issues that must be resolved, including the establishment of a transitional-justice model that will address the atrocities committed during the Islamic regime’s 30-year rule.

He also noted that services like schools and medical facilities are inadequate and deteriorating, much of the population is homeless and women in rural or conflict-affected areas are struggling to provide food for their families as heads of household.  Further, despite agreements on ensuring increased representation for women during the transitional period, this has not happened.  On the security situation in Darfur, he pointed out that the mechanism for civilian protection contemplated by the Juba Peace Agreement is not working because the forces tasked with this objective are composed of tribal members and, when conflict occurs, they will side with their respective tribes.  Calling for the establishment of an alternative mechanism to protect civilians, he suggested that individuals should not be tasked with protecting civilians in their region of origin.

Statements

JAMES KARIUKI (United Kingdom), expressing regret regarding the limited progress made since the Special Representative’s last briefing in May, condemned the excessive use of force by security forces on 30 June, which led to the death of nine protestors.  He called on the Sudanese authorities to stop all violence against protestors, and for perpetrators of human rights abuses to be held accountable.  He further urged the military component to engage constructively in the political process and fulfil their commitment to withdraw from the political scene.  Noting that bureaucratic and security-related impediments are limiting the international community’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid to ordinary citizens, he urged the authorities to remove such barriers immediately.  He also expressed deep concern over the increased violence in West Darfur and in the Blue Nile region.  While welcoming the graduation of the members of the Joint Security Keeping Forces, he emphasized that further steps are urgently needed to implement the security arrangements of the Juba Peace Agreement.

MARTIN GALLAGHER (Ireland) said that, in addition to the political and security turmoil and deteriorating economic, social and humanitarian environment in Sudan, hunger is now a looming reality for millions.  This is an upsetting reversal in a country that has traditionally been a global leader in areas of agriculture production.  The situation is exacerbated by severe flooding and the impacts of climate change, he said, noting that his country and the European Union will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to those that need it most.  Only genuinely inclusive politics can address the acute challenges Sudan is facing, he said, urging the military to facilitate an environment that is conducive to genuine progress.  All stakeholders need to put aside their differences and grasp this opportunity to shape Sudan’s political future in a spirit of compromise and consensus.  The window of opportunity may not be open for long to chart a path back to a civilian-led democratic transition.  The international community must redouble their support to facilitate consensus-building among Sudan’s democratic stakeholders and to bolster the role of UNITAMS and the trilateral mechanism.  For this process to have any chance of success, women must be at its centre, he underscored.

MONA JUUL (Norway) said that the announcement by the Sovereign Council Chair that military forces will withdraw from the political scene once a civilian Government is in place is an important signal, as there can be no return to authoritarian rule or normalization of the current situation.  She also welcomed the draft of the Sudan Bar Association’s transitional constitutional framework — efforts led by the Sudanese people that offer evidence that it is possible to break the current impasse.  The tripartite initiative of the United Nations, African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is well-placed to support Sudanese stakeholders.  However, she voiced concern over well-documented cases of sexual and gender-based violence and violations against children, underlining the Government’s fundamental responsibility to take concrete measures to protect all civilians and remove bureaucratic hindrances to humanitarian assistance.  Nonetheless, there have also been some positive developments, including the graduation of the Joint Security Keeping Forces, the first step towards a genuine united force, which must be deployed and equipped to fulfil their task.  Highlighting the alarming food insecurity, she called for action to prevent an even worse situation next year.  Further, the situation in the Horn of Africa, including renewed fighting in Tigray, must be of utmost concern to the Council, she stressed.

AMEIRAH OBAID MOHAMED OBAID ALHEFEITI (United Arab Emirates) said she believes tangible progress in the country remains possible through intensive support from the international community.  The military component’s announcement regarding its withdrawal from the negotiations sponsored by the trilateral mechanism will help political forces reach an agreement on the formation of a technocratic Government.  Sudanese ownership over the political process is vital for the success of the transitional process.  With the difficult economic situation, accompanied by the humanitarian conditions exacerbated by the floods and severe food insecurity, she said it is important for international donors to consider revising their recent decisions.  “Doing so could prevent Sudan’s economy from collapsing and help with its recovery,” she said.  The international community must also intensify its support to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the climate impacts.  Turning to the security situation, she said national mechanisms in Sudan are important to de-escalate tensions, including several local peace agreements that respond to clashes between tribes in western and southern Darfur.  While Sudan has received limited support to implement the Juba Peace Agreement, significant progress has been made in security arrangements in Darfur.  She pointed to the Permanent Ceasefire Committee’s efforts and the recent graduation of the first class of Joint Security Keeping Forces.  For Sudan to keep making progress, the international community must intensify its efforts and provide technical and financial support, so the country can ensure stability throughout Darfur.

RICHARD M. MILLS JR. (United States) welcomed the inclusive dialogue involving civilian pro-democracy parties aimed at developing new constitutional arrangements and a civilian-led transitional Government.  Such arrangements should clearly define:  a timeline for holding free and fair elections; procedures for selecting a transitional Prime Minister and other key officials; the authority and role of the military; and dispute-resolution mechanisms to help avoid future political crises.  He also called for full respect of the freedoms of expression and association, condemning the unjust detention of peaceful protestors and supporting Sudanese calls for accountability through transitional-justice mechanisms.  He went on to note that ongoing violence demonstrates the urgent need for the Juba Peace Agreement to be implemented, including its provisions relating to security-sector reform and inclusive transitional-justice processes.  Expressing concern over the heavy rains and flash flooding that are affecting tens of thousands of people across Sudan, he underscored the need to address the continuing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.  For its part, the United States is supporting the provision of safe drinking water, hygiene kits and emergency shelter items to the most-affected communities, he added.

JOÃO GENÉSIO DE ALMEIDA FILHO (Brazil), expressing concern about the recent violence in Darfur and the Blue Nile region, called on Sudanese authorities to increase efforts to protect civilians in these areas. Commending the progress made on the Joint Security Keeping Forces, he also stressed that a quicker, bolder implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement is necessary.  Otherwise, the Agreement will fail to inspire credibility for Sudanese civilians.  “Frequent outbreaks of violence have shown that palliative measures alone cannot provide security in Darfur and the two areas,” he pointed out, referring to the South Kordofan and Blue Nile region.  In addition, he welcomed the transitional constitution drafted by the Sudanese Bar Association, highlighting the participation of civil society representatives.  He also voiced his support for a political dialogue that is inclusive, Sudanese-owned and paves the way for a legitimate democratic transition in Sudan.

DAI BING (China) emphasized that problems in the Sudan can only be solved by finding a path that aligns with its national conditions and the interest of its people.  “The imposition of external solutions and a single-minded pursuit of quick results will not be conducive to a lasting stability,” he emphasized.  While describing the Juba Peace Agreement as “hard-won”, he called on the international community to provide financial and technical support to accelerate its implementation.  Further, the sanctions imposed by the Security Council in relation to Darfur have severely restricted the ability of the Sudanese Government to maintain stability and protect civilians, he noted, adding that the measures should be adjusted considering the evolving situations.  He also expressed regret that the Council was not able to establish benchmarks for changing the sanctions regime before the deadline of 31 August set by resolution 2620 (2022).  Those benchmarks should be clearly defined and realistic and they should not go beyond the situation in Darfur and become a tool to delay the lifting of the sanctions against Sudan.

RUCHIRA KAMBOJ (India) said the political transition process that began three years ago still faces obstacles on the ground and a stalemate continues.  Yet the latest announcements by the leadership of the Sovereign Council; the annulment of the nationwide emergency; the release of political detainees; as well as a decrease in security incidents, are positive signs.  “We reiterate that Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned, inclusive and credible political dialogue remains critical in efforts to find a lasting solution to the current impasse,” she said.  She underscored the importance of the Juba Peace Agreement’s implementation.  While the pace of various agreement provisions remains slow, she noted the integration of 2,000 armed movements members into the Joint Security Keeping Forces and the signing of the Native Administration legislation.  The progress of the transitional security arrangements for Darfur, made through the activities of the Darfur Permanent Ceasefire Committee, needs to be sustained.  The Mission’s support for Sudan will be critical in coming months, particularly in helping the political transition; implementing the Juba agreement; and peacebuilding efforts.  Ongoing deliberations by the 15-member organ on devising benchmarks for sanctions, currently supervised and implemented by the 1591 Committee of the Security Council, must also consider the complex interplay of local factors, without resorting to an overtly prescriptive approach.  She noted the penholder’s decision to hold off on a decision on sanctions benchmarks for Sudan and said it is a welcome move to keep the Council united on such a sensitive issue.

MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon), also speaking on behalf of Kenya and Ghana, encouraged Sudan to take advantage of the progress observed recently on the ground.  He welcomed the publication last week of the draft of a new constitutional framework, inviting Sudanese authorities and all stakeholders to embrace an inclusive and constructive process, with all parties showing flexibility in view of the urgency of the situation on the ground.  Noting the release of the political detainees is an essential confidence-building measure, he cited the role of Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Sudan General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in defusing tensions in the border area of Al-Fashaga.  It is essential that neighbouring States prioritize the peaceful settlement of disputes.  On the security front, he expressed concern over the recurrence of intercommunal clashes in several regions of the country, notably in West Darfur and in the Blue Nile region.  He remained convinced that additional measures can be taken by the Government to address the root causes of these conflicts.  This requires the full participation of local communities, civil society and displaced persons in the peace process.  He urged the Sudanese Government to redouble its efforts to accelerate the implementation of the outstanding objectives with the support of UNITAMS and the United Nations country team.  He stressed the alarming deterioration of the humanitarian situation, the economic crisis, and the adverse effects of climate change and the risk of food shortages.  With floods and droughts exacerbating an already fragile situation, causing massive population displacement, he called on the international community to fund humanitarian operations.  He further urged Sudanese authorities to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access, including to conflict areas, and for UNITAMS to continue to work closely with authorities to facilitate the rapid implementation of development plans and programmes.

ENRIQUE JAVIER OCHOA MARTÍNEZ (Mexico) said that the announcement of the withdrawal of the military component could serve as an opportunity to facilitate dialogue between the various civilian parties to find consensus.  For that dialogue to take place, the authorities must create an enabling environment, which includes avoiding the use of force and the arrests of demonstrators and ensuring that the rights of peaceful expression and association are upheld.  He deplored the deaths of protesters at the 30 June demonstrations, and voiced concern about reports of sexual harassment and intimidation of women and girls during that day’s events.  He called on the authorities to expedite the work of committees established in the past to investigate possible human rights violations in the context of those protests and to provide the necessary resources for them to carry out their work effectively.  The results of those investigations must be made public.  Accountability, transitional justice and the implementation of rule of law reforms are key to stability in the country and national reconciliation, he said, adding that political will is vital in order to make progress and deliver results, as demonstrated by the graduation of 2000 members to the Joint Security Keeping Forces.

ALBANA DAUTLLARI (Albania), spotlighting the dire and worsening humanitarian situation, said recent torrential rains and severe flooding resulted in hundreds of victims, thousands of injured and homes, infrastructure and crops destroyed.  About 14.3 million people need humanitarian assistance and up to 11.7 million people are expected to be vulnerable to food insecurity.  Sudanese authorities must provide unfettered humanitarian access to all affected by conflict, and end intercommunal violence, in particular in the Blue Nile region.  She expressed support for the continued efforts of UNITAMS, the African Union and IGAD in creating conditions which could enable negotiations between the military and civilians.  She also urged political actors and prominent military figures who have withdrawn from these talks to return to the negotiation table.  Commending the graduation of the first batch of the Joint Security Keeping Forces as an essential step in the Juba Peace Agreement implementation, she called on Sudanese authorities to accelerate the training and deployment of a fully integrated security-keeping force to protect its civilians.  Noting the worsening security situation in Darfur, she condemned the extensive and widespread use of violence on protestors.  Sudanese authorities must independently and impartially investigate any allegations of human rights violations and sexual and gender-based violence — in particular those committed by members of the security forces.  She also applauded the Sudanese Bar Association’s publication of a draft transitional constitution framework document for Sudan.

ANNA M. EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation) welcomed the Sudanese Government’s steps to stabilize the political situation and its demonstrated willingness for compromise.  However, she voiced her disagreement with the characterization of the events of 25 October 2021 as a coup, as contained in the report on UNITAMS, which was supported by Western colleagues.  Moreover, it is unacceptable that the document links a resumed international assistance for Sudan’s development to the transfer of power to a civilian Government.  “Mobilization of international support for a country experiencing a myriad of difficulties is not an award for any achievement, but one of the main tasks of the special political mission,” she emphasized.  Otherwise, such conditions could be viewed as an act of manipulation or tool of pressure on the Sudanese authorities, she added, urging the Head of UNITAMS to operate strictly in accordance with its mandate.  The arms embargo imposed against Sudan 17 years ago now fails to reflect the situation on the ground in Darfur, obstructing the authorities’ plans in State-building and hampering social and economic development in the region.  Further, she noted her disappointment regarding the decision of the United States, as sponsors of the Sudan sanctions dossier, to end work on the Council document on benchmarks for the lifting of the arms embargo.  That irresponsible approach has resulted for the second consecutive year of the Council sabotaging its own decisions on the reconsideration of Sudanese sanctions.

ISIS MARIE DORIANE JARAUD-DARNAULT (France), Council President for September, speaking in her national capacity, expressed regret over the political stalemate that has persisted since the October 2021 coup.  Encouraging all Sudanese to take part in dialogue, she called on the military not to take any action that would entrench the current stalemate.  Noting the lifting of the state of emergency and the release of many political detainees, she welcomed investigations against the perpetrators of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.  However, she voiced concern over the maintenance of heightened police powers established during the state of emergency.  The absence of legitimate authorities and a positive perspective on the peace process are worsening the security situation in Darfur as well as the Blue Nile region.  Welcoming the integration of 2,000 fighters into the Joint Security Keeping Forces, she urged the authorities to accelerate their deployment and the reintegration of combatants.  Sudan is among the main countries affected by the worsening food insecurity caused by Russian Federation aggression in Ukraine, she stressed.  In that regard, the European Union has allocated €41 million to Sudan and will increase that to €189 million by the end of 2022.  She encouraged Sudan to continue to show restraint on the border dispute with Ethiopia in the Al-Fashaga triangle, and to continue to play its useful role in accompanying the transition in Chad and the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in South Sudan.

AL-HARITH IDRISS AL-HARITH MOHAMED (Sudan), noting that he found Mr. Mudawi’s statement to be “a very gloomy account”, said that political actors in his nation continue their efforts to reach a political consensus, end the stalemate and build a bright future for the country where freedom, peace and justice prevail.  The political process in ongoing, dialogue will not stop and all parties will give precedence to Sudan’s interests and to ensuring the transfer of power to civilians.  Further, the military will withdraw from the political scene, and the Sudanese Armed Forces have repeatedly committed to sponsoring and protecting the transition to facilitate free and fair elections.  He also emphasized that the situation in Darfur is improving, despite obstacles due to the complicated socioeconomic situation, the impact of climate change and scarce technical and financial support to implement the Juba Peace Agreement.  Calling on the international community to provide such support, he stressed that the Agreement’s security arrangements are highly complex and costly from an organizational, logistical and financial perspective.

Emphasizing that UNITAMS has a role to play in this regard, he said that rather than simply saying implementation of the Agreement has been slow, the Mission should consider what it has done to implement the Agreement at the desired pace.  For its part, the Transitional Government has enacted measures to address the shortcomings of Sudan’s economic structure, including deregulating the Sudanese pound against foreign currencies, lifting subsidies on commodities and addressing debt issues.  He also said that the Government looks forward to resuming development cooperation with bilateral partners, which is more important than simply criticizing the situation.  Adding that the Secretary-General’s report failed to mention Government efforts to promote and protect human rights through its cooperation with international human-rights mechanisms, he underscored that “peacebuilding in Sudan requires political neutrality”.  Sudan will continue to work with the international community to address the challenges obstructing the transitional process, he added.

Source: United Nations