UNSC briefing on UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS)

Remarks by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

20 May 2021

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Thank you, Mr. President. Let me begin by thanking SRSG Volker Perthes for his detailed briefing on the activities of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan centered around the Mission’s four strategic and interrelated pillars.

2. Sudan, as illustrated by the positive developments in the last three months is making confident and steady progress in its democratic transition. The authorities have outlined broad parameters of the federal system in line with the Constitutional Document and the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA). The expanded transitional Government has also announced its strategic vision focusing on five priority areas. Further, the Sovereign Council has established the National High Committee for the JPA Implementation mechanism.  It is encouraging that another SLM faction has joined the JPA. The non-signatory groups such as SPLM-N Al-Hilu have agreed to engage in negotiations. SLA-AW has also shown willingness to engage in peace talks. We recognize the important role of South Sudan in these efforts.

3. Nonetheless, there have been delays in the implementation of the transitional agreements, particularly the establishment of Transitional Legislative Council (TLC), and there has been limited progress in the implementation of the JPA, particularly with respect to the security arrangements. We hope these will be resolved soon, while also adhering to the criteria of 40 percent representation of women in the TLC.

4. On the economic front, we welcome the reforms undertaken and hope these will bring stability to the economy and address social issues effectively. The Sudanese authorities have also launched a cash-transfer program to shield the most vulnerable segments of the population from the impact of subsidy removal, which is a noteworthy development. The support of the international community in ensuring Sudan’s peaceful and sustainable future will be crucial. In this regard, we welcome the financial assistance extended by Sudan’s international partners. We also welcome France’s hosting of an International Conference to Support the Sudanese Transition earlier this month. With domestic reforms underway to improve Sudan’s investment climate, there are real opportunities emerging in infrastructure, mining, regional connectivity, agriculture, food industries, and energy.

5. On the security front, the transitional Government has been swift in addressing the continuing and worrying inter communal clashes in Darfur. It has also enhanced security measures including through the deployment of joint security forces. These are positive developments which reflect the broadening of governance structures and the sustained commitment of the authorities to implement the National Plan for Civilian Protection.  There have been incidents of criminality targeting the UN and its personnel during the reporting period. We encourage the transitional Government to take measures to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and its premises.

6. With respect to the drawdown of UNAMID, we take note of the high level of coordination between the Sudanese Joint Task Force and UNAMID and the commitment to facilitate the administration process. We hope that at both the central and state levels, all efforts will be made by the Sudanese authorities to make this drawdown and liquidation an example of effective collaboration between the UN and Sudan.

7. India supports the rapid operationalization of UNITAMS as part of continued UN support for the Sudanese transition. UNITAMS, functioning with an integrated country team, and working together with partners like the AU, should remain committed to working closely with all components of the transitional authorities.

8. In conclusion, Mr. President, as Sudan makes confident strides towards a brighter future, let me recall an important aspect of India’s long-standing bilateral relations with Sudan. At India’s National Defence Academy in Pune, the administrative block constructed in the 1950s named as the ‘Sudan Block’ stands tall to this day as a testimony of historical ties with Sudan. This was gifted by the Government and people of Sudan. Over the years, India has implemented several projects in the sectors of energy, transport and agro-industry in Sudan through concessional lines of credit. We have also assisted in capacity building through our scholarship programs and extended humanitarian assistance by supplying food and lifesaving drugs. India remains committed to supporting Sudan and its people in this important phase of political transition.

I thank you Mr. President.