Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at a UNSC Briefing on Sudan
We thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and OCHA Director of Operations Ms. Edem Wosornu. We are grateful for their briefings. We have listened to the statement by Mr. Cameron Hudson, civil society representative. We welcome the participation of Sudan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Kamel Idris, as well as representatives of Egypt, Turkey and the UAE.
We are closely following the developments unfolding in the Republic of Sudan. We note the efforts undertaken by the current Sudanese Government and national armed forces to stabilize the situation and restore normal life in the country, which includes ensuring the functioning of state institutions and providing assistance to the population. This is evidenced by the fact that the Government enjoys support from the Sudanese people themselves. We consider this work to be an important factor in preserving State governance amid a severe crisis.
We express serious concern over the dangerous escalation in the south of Sudan, which is directly linked to the destructive actions by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Their armed forays, attacks on populated areas and infrastructure, and attempts to sabotage the local governance mechanisms result in greater humanitarian suffering and wider geographical scope of the conflict. Such actions have no justification whatsoever and only serve to drag out the crisis.
In this context, we cannot but mention the attempts by certain members of the Council to artificially shift the focus of discussions from the root causes of the conflict – namely the atrocities committed by rebel groups, primarily the RSF – to the consequences thereof. Protecting civilians, addressing food insecurity, and coping with the growing number of refugees and internally displaced persons are indeed serious challenges. However, taking these issues out of their cause-and-effect context and keeping silence about the actions of those who largely bear direct responsibility for what is happening brings us no closer to a lasting settlement.
We proceed from our unconditional respect for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Any attempts to undermine these principles, including through creating parallel power structures, are fraught with serious risks of disintegration of the country with ensuing irreversible consequences for its statehood. Such a path is unacceptable and dangerous, first and foremost for the Sudanese people themselves.
Mr. President,
The legitimacy of the current Government of Sudan should not be called into question. We believe that its support from the international community is of fundamental importance for preserving effective state institutions capable of ensuring a sovereign, incremental, and sustainable civilian transition. Attempts from outside to substitute these institutions or artificially weaken them will only exacerbate instability. The path in this direction has already been framed in the road map for reforms announced by Prime Minister Kamel Idris at the beginning of the year. We are convinced that this plan deserves the unconditional support from the Security Council.
The humanitarian situation in the country remains extremely dire. Yet, we believe that increasing the effectiveness of the humanitarian response is impossible without closer and more substantive engagement between UN humanitarian agencies and their partners and the Sudanese legitimate Government. Attempts to ignore national authorities and bypass State mechanisms only undermine coordination efforts, create additional risks for personnel, and in no way contribute to a sustainable improvement of the situation for the civilian population. A sovereign State must remain the central link in humanitarian response efforts on its territory.
The Russian Federation has consistently advocated for an immediate ceasefire and a transition to a political settlement of the conflict. We are convinced that the only viable path to peace is a broad, inclusive intra-Sudanese dialogue, which would not be imposed by external actors but would take into account the interests of all major political and social forces in the country. Decisions about Sudan’s future must be made by the Sudanese themselves, without external pressure or prescriptions.
We take note of the various mediation initiatives and efforts aimed at facilitating a settlement. At the same time, we believe that it is the United Nations that should play a leading and guiding role in coordinating such efforts as well as in fostering constructive engagement between influential regional players. Most importantly, any initiatives for a sustainable political settlement must not be adopted behind the backs of the Sudanese people themselves. It is essential to pay due regard to Khartoum's opinion and its vision of ways to overcome the crisis.
We are looking forward to more vigorous efforts by the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Mr. Ramtante Lamamra. We expect that, following his contacts with the warring parties and regional partners, the Council will have on the table specific, well-considered proposals on the parameters for a fair political settlement, without encroaching on the sovereign right of the Sudanese people to independently determine the future configuration of their State.
We are convinced that the Security Council's role in this regard is to facilitate de-escalation and national reconciliation, rather than deepen divisions. Russia stands ready to continue making a constructive contribution to collective efforts aimed at restoring peace, stability, and unity in Sudan.
Thank you.
