Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC Briefing on Sudan
Madam President,
We are grateful to Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and OCHA Director of Crisis Response Division Ms. Edem Wosoronu for their briefings. We have closely listened to the statement delivered by civil society representative Ms. Hala Alkarib. Her statement served as a reminder for us about the tragedies that have been unfolding in El Geneina, El Fasher and in other cities one after the other. And these tragedies have stark indications of being ethnic in nature; thus, we are likely to see another conflict emerge within the current conflict. We welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the permanent representatives of Sudan, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The armed conflict in Sudan is approaching an unfortunate three-year mark. The situation in Kordofan states is quite fraught. The armed forces are making efforts to drive insurgent forces out of major cities in the south of the country, including Kadugli, and Dilling. On February 18, UN humanitarian workers managed to deliver aid to the residents of these cities, which is for the first time after a three-month blockade by the RSF. With varying degrees of success, threats emanating from rebels in North Darfur are being curbed. At the same time, the army's adversaries have entrenched themselves in that state, largely through exploiting supplies that are being delivered in breach of the restrictions imposed under 1591 UNSC sanctions regime. Amid countless atrocities committed by rebels against civilians and attempts by the armed forces to restore constitutional order, we see a trend to pin the blame for these acts of violence on both sides of the conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is far from ideal. A significant portion of the population is in need of assistance. Since the outbreak of the conflict, over 4 million people have fled the country. Fewer than half of the pre-conflict medical facilities are still operational, the immunization rate of the population has fallen sharply, and outbreaks of infectious diseases have been recorded. Last year, a little bit more than a third of the humanitarian response plan was covered. This year, this plan has been optimized and is expected to be covered by individual country contributions. We would like to recall the need for closer cooperation between humanitarian personnel and the Government of Sudan. At the same time, any potential difficulties that may arise in the course of contacts should be resolved through orderly multi-tier dialogue, as is being done by some of the humanitarian agencies operating in the country. These problems should not be brought before the Council only to blame someone for procrastination.
It is unacceptable to manipulate the issues of food security and protection of civilians in Sudan. It is important to focus on meeting the pressing food-related needs of the population and enhance, in cooperation with Khartoum, the effectiveness of food distribution. For our part, we will continue to assist the friendly nation of Sudan in addressing these issues. Last year, we delivered 1.7 million tons of agricultural produce to the country, 90% of which was wheat. We regularly send Russian Emergency Ministry planes with humanitarian aid to Sudan. The authorities are doing a great deal to ensure peaceful life in the areas under their control. It is noteworthy that more than 3 million people have returned to Sudan, including almost 1.5 million to the states of Khartoum and El Gezira, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The government's plans for the phased return of government institutions from Port Sudan to the capital are heartening. It is important to focus on helping the Sudanese as they clear the rubble and rebuild the damaged infrastructure in Khartoum. There are also enormous challenges in the field of demining.
Madam President,
The Russian Federation consistently advocates for a prompt ceasefire and a transition to a political settlement of the conflict. We stand convinced that the sole viable path to peace is through broad, inclusive intra-Sudanese dialogue, which is not imposed from abroad and takes into account the interests of all significant, patriotically-minded political and social forces in the country. Decisions regarding the future of Sudan must be made by the Sudanese themselves, without external pressure nor any ready-made solutions.
Unfortunately, the prospects for finding a political solution to the conflict are merely illusive so far. However, we cannot say that the Sudanese themselves are not demonstrating their willingness to seek one. On the contrary, in December 2025, the country's government, led by Prime Minister Kamil Idris, presented a robust initiative for a comprehensive settlement. In the heart of this initiative is a “road map” which was set out as early as at the beginning of 2025. This plan, no matter how one feels about it, is the only proposal for a peaceful resolution of the internal conflict that has come from the Sudanese themselves. It has been duly appraised by African countries, which is reflected in the outcome document of the African Union Peace and Security Council dated February 12, as it embodies the aspirations of the Sudanese people themselves for the restoration of stability and security. We urge you to take a closer look at this initiative.
We regularly hear certain Council members call for more vigorous action on Sudan and talk about the need to promptly bring about a peaceful resolution. A possible step in this regard would be a transition to frank, mutually respectful, and equitable dialogue with the current authorities and support for their aspirations for peace. There is a need to bear in mind that the current government remains the guarantor of the preservation of national state institutions, stability and security, and it is capable of ensuring the transition to civilian-led governance after the situation in the country has finally normalized. Attempts to create certain parallel governance structures stand in the way of these developments. It is encouraging that the Security Council has categorically spoken out against such steps.
The goal of the Security Council here is to facilitate de-escalation and national reconciliation, not to deepen divisions. Russia stands ready to continue to constructively contribute to collective efforts to restore peace, stability and unity in Sudan.
Thank you.
