Our thanks to the briefers for their insights.
A special thanks to the SRSG for your tireless efforts.
Almost eleven months after the military takeover, our main message remains the same:
Only a civilian-led transitional government, and a clear, but realistic, timetable for elections can solve the political crisis. And pave the way for full resumption of international partnerships with Sudan.
The announcement by Sovereign Council Chair, General Burhan, that the military forces will withdraw from the political scene once a civilian government is in place, is an important signal.
And we hold the military and security forces to this commitment. There can be no return to authoritarian rule, or a normalisation of the current situation.
Therefore, we welcome also the publication of the Sudan Bar Association’s draft transitional constitutional framework- which is the result of
in-depth discussions involving a wide range of actors.
Together with other constructive initiatives, these efforts- led by the Sudanese people themselves- are evidence that it is possible to break the current impasse.
Now we call on all stakeholders to maintain the momentum that has been created.
And ensure that women and youth are part of the process.
Any agreement or government resulting from a non-inclusive process will lack credibility with the Sudanese people, and the international community.
The tripartite initiative of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development is well placed to facilitate and support Sudanese stakeholders in these efforts.
We are deeply concerned about reports of increased violence in parts of Sudan. Including well documented cases of sexual and gender-based violence- as well as grave violations against children.
The government has a fundamental responsibility to actively protect all civilians by taking concrete measures. It is also the Government’s responsibility to allow – and facilitate – the full, safe, and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance.
Bureaucratic impediments can, and should, be removed without delay.
The Juba Peace Agreement signatories and other armed actors also have the same responsibilities to abide by humanitarian principles.
We want to highlight also that there are some positive developments, as described in the Secretary-General’s report. For example, we welcome the graduation of the first batch of the joint security keeping force.
This is an important first step towards a genuine unified force. The next step is to ensure that the newly graduated forces are deployed and equipped to fulfill their tasks.
Other dimensions of Security Sector Reform should also follow- as per the security provisions in the Juba Peace Agreement.
Mobilising resources is first and foremost the responsibility of the authorities- with UNITAMS mandated to provide support, including through the Permanent Ceasefire Committee.
The economic crisis- marked by high inflation and shortages- is having an alarming impact on food security and livelihoods. People in marginalised and war-affected areas are particularly vulnerable.
They have no safety nets. We must scale up humanitarian action to meet emerging needs, and prevent an even more dire situation next year.
Finally, President,
The current conflict dynamic in the Horn of Africa must be of utmost concern to this Council. In particular the impact of the renewed fighting in Tigray, which has serious and immediate consequences on neighbouring countries.
We encourage and support the “good offices” of the African Union, and the UN, towards reducing tensions and promoting dialogue.