Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at an open VTC of UNSC members on Sudan
Before I start, let me draw everyone’s attention to how important it is for the Council to get back to in-person meetings. The UNSC chamber has been equipped to accommodate them. The improving epidemiological situation in New York and the relaxation of related restrictions indicate that the life is slowly getting back to normal.
Mr. President,
We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Volker Perthes for briefing us on the developments in Sudan. We also thank the representative of Sudan for his statement.
The internal political situation in Sudan remains complicated. It is negatively impacted by the developments in the neighboring Libya, the growing number of IDPs and refugees from adjacent African states, as well as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. Against this backdrop, the escalating economic crisis and social tension are the cause of particular concern. Over 9 million Sudanese need humanitarian assistance, over 7 million people experience food insecurity.
Therefore, we expect that the activity of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) will sustain Khartoum’s potential in such important areas as peacebuilding, socio-economic transformation, maintenance of domestic peace and legal order.
The Juba peace agreement that Sudan’s Transitional Government and the “Sudanese Revolutionary Front” signed in October last year was a meaningful step towards lasting stabilization in the country, and solving many of its urgent problems.
We call upon all armed groups that so far have remained outside the peace process to join this agreement. We regret that Abdul Wahid Nur refuses to engage in a dialogue with Khartoum. Those who can influence this irreconcilable oppositionist should exert the required pressure on him.
We look forward to the soon launch of negotiations between the authorities and “People’s Liberation Movement-North”/ Abdelaziz al-Hilu faction on the basis of the declaration on principles that the sides signed earlier. We trust that UNITAMS will render the required assistance to this process.
We welcome Khartoum’s commitment to thoroughly address the root causes of conflicts and inter-communal disputes in various regions of Sudan. Prompt implementation of the National Plan for Civilian Protection, and the 8 critical security measures announced by the government will help achieve this.
Sudan encounters numerous challenges. The implementation of initiatives for economic recovery, and the peacebuilding agenda need to gain momentum. Against this backdrop, we attach great importance to maintaining well-balanced contacts with all Sudanese authorities, supporting their efforts to implement the Constitutional Declaration of 17 August 2019 in order to stabilize the domestic situation.
Mr. President,
The situation in Darfur is getting back to a peaceful track. Sporadic inter-communal clashes in some states do not change the overall dynamic. Well-coordinated response of the authorities to all incidents proves the eagerness of Khartoum to take a comprehensive approach to stabilization.
We were glad to hear the Secretary-General’s assessments that the drawdown of UNAMID that has been successful in carrying out all its tasks, proceeds as planned and that there is close interaction between the personnel of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Sudanese side. In this regard, we commend the relevant efforts of the management of the UN Secretariat.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, we would like to say a few words about the upcoming renewal of the UNITAMS mandate. A special political mission that has been deployed under Chapter VI of the UN Charter can complete its mandated tasks only if it engages in a well-coordinated interaction with the host country. Therefore, we would expect official Khartoum to comment on what tasks the Sudanese authorities believe should be prioritized in the activities of UNITAMS. The Sudanese invited the UN Mission to their country, so it is them who should determine the major tracks of the international efforts there.
Thank you.
