UNSC briefing / consultations on the report of the Secretary General on United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS)

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

9 March 2021

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Thank you Madam President,

Let me begin by thanking Mr. Volker Perthes of UNITAMS and Under Secretary General Dr. Atul Khare for their briefings on the activities of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, centered around the Mission’s four strategic and interrelated pillars. I would also like to thank Ms. Kholood Khair, Managing Partner of Insight for her remarks.

2. First, on the political transition and peace processes. Sudan continues to make progress in its democratic transition. The recent developments are a testimony to the determination and commitment of the Sudanese leadership to lead Sudan towards the path of development, peace and prosperity. The measures taken to implement the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA), including expanding the Sovereign Council; establishing ‘the Council of Partners in the Transitional Period’ and formation of the new cabinet to include JPA signatories are steps in the right direction. The removal of Sudan from the US List of State Sponsors of Terrorism is another important milestone in the transition process, as is the normalization of bilateral relations with Israel. We welcome these positive developments.

3. JPA is a comprehensive, but an ambitious and complex document. The implementation process, therefore, may face several challenges.  The transition process to a federal and democratic system will not be an easy one.  While the initial steps towards implementation have been taken, trust deficit among the parties, outstanding security concerns and lack of financial resources have the potential to undermine these efforts. It is, therefore, important that the Sudanese stakeholders continue to demonstrate their commitment to JPA and engage constructively to resolve their differences. They must ensure that transitional institutions have clearly defined mandates, and are inclusive and effective. Towards this end, an early formation of the Transitional Legislative Council and establishment of Commissions will be important. It is imperative for the international community, particularly the UN, AU and IGAD to support national efforts and extend all possible help to Sudan in the implementation of JPA.

4. As regards the third pillar, it is encouraging to note that the Transitional Government has continued with its institutional and legal reforms. The draft laws concerning various commissions, including the Transitional Justice Commission have been finalized. These again are positive developments.

5. The inter-communal violence in Darfur in the last few months, demonstrates the complex challenges faced by the Transitional Government. We commend efforts to bring the situation back to normalcy in Darfur. We welcome the formulation of a National Plan for Civilian Protection and the announcement of 12,000 member protection force that is currently in the process of deployment in Darfur. We also call on armed movements which remain outside of the peace process to join the negotiating table.

6. Regarding the fourth pillar, the difficult economic situation is one of the major impediments in the transition process. The Transitional Government has engaged positively with the international financial institutions and Friends of Sudan grouping, which will help in the mobilization of much needed financial resources. It is critical that the international community continues to support Sudan’s economic recovery and the Transitional Government’s economic reform agenda.

7. We fully support DPPA in developing an Integrated Strategic Framework and structures to maximize international support for enhancing the effectiveness of UNITAMS with the objective of advancing Sudan’s political transition. We also appreciate the efforts of USG Atul Khare and his team at Department of Operational Support towards smooth drawdown of UNAMID. We also encourage UNITAMS continue working closely with the Transitional Government, to ensure a smooth drawdown of UNAMID, while taking care to bridge any ensuing gaps.

8. Lastly, India remains committed to supporting all efforts of the Transitional Government of Sudan towards a successful transition. In this context, we have bilaterally implemented 49 projects in sectors of energy, transport and agro-industry in Sudan through concessional lines of credit worth US$ 612 million. More than 290 scholarships have been extended annually for capacity building under our ITEC and other scholarship programmes. Most recently, India delivered 100 MT of food supplies last November as humanitarian assistance to Sudan. I am also happy that under the COVAX facility, 8,20,000 doses of Made-in-India COVID 19 vaccines have been supplied to Sudan. In addition, we are in the process of delivering 10 MT of life saving drugs to Sudan in coming weeks as a part of our bilateral humanitarian assistance programme.

9. Let me reiterate that India remains committed to the all-round progress and inclusive development of Sudan.

I thank you Madam President.

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