UNSC briefing and consultations on UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS); [28 March 2022; 1000 hrs]

Remarks by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Let me begin by thanking SRSG Volker Perthes for his detailed briefing on the activities of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). I also thank Permanent Representative of Ghana for his statement as Chair of the 1591 Sanctions Committee.

2. The ongoing political impasse in Sudan is a reminder of the inherent challenges to the democratic transition process that began in December 2018. The political and security developments since last October reflect the tenuous state of the transition. These developments have further aggravated political instability, and negatively affected the implementation of Juba Peace Agreement. It has also hampered the progress made on political and socio-economic fronts during the last two years.

3. Mutual trust and understanding among the Sudanese stakeholders are key to address the current impasse. We hope all stakeholders, including the military and the civilian political forces, will show the political will to build consensus and foster national unity. The transition process needs to be inclusive and address concerns of all stakeholders to meet democratic aspirations of the people of Sudan. We believe that the 2019 Constitutional Document remains the basis for the transitional period, and the way forward should be guided by the same. We are encouraged by the recent proactive engagements, particularly dialogue between the political actors and the Sudanese authorities. We have also noted the efforts including those undertaken by the UN, AU and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) to break the political impasse. We hope that all these efforts will facilitate a return to the constitutional status and a transitional path towards civilian rule, democracy and peace in Sudan.

4. We also underscore the importance of comprehensive implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement. In this regard, we welcome the progress made in security arrangements, including formation of the Supreme Council for Security Arrangements in Darfur and the “Two Areas” (South Kordofan state and Blue Nile state); setting up of protection forces and integration of former fighters. We hope the implementation will gain momentum in the coming months, particularly the establishment of the Transitional Legislative Council.

5. On the economic front, the recent developments forced the international community to revisit the positive decisions taken to support the economic recovery of Sudan over the past three years. We hope that international community and partners of Sudan will reconsider their decisions to stop economic support and assistance, given its adverse impact on the civilian population. Sudan needs our collective support.

6. On the security front, we remain concerned with the situation in eastern Sudan. In Darfur, the incidents of looting and violence at El Fasher logistics base and incidents of inter-communal violence earlier this month in Jebel Marra, remain concerning. We note that the Sudanese authorities have continued to make efforts to provide physical protection in Darfur through the deployment of joint Government forces to de-escalate violence and calm tensions. These are positive developments which reflect broadening of governance structures and sustained commitment of the authorities to implement the National Plan for Civilian Protection. The establishment of a gender desk at the headquarters of Central Darfur Police is indeed a noteworthy development.

7. The support of UNITAMS to Sudan will be critical during the coming months, particularly in assisting the political transition; implementation of Juba agreement; and peacebuilding efforts. We expect UNITAMS to focus on implementation of its core mandates in close partnership with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). We have also noted contents of the letter sent by Sudan on Secretary General’s report. We do hope that the future UNITAMS reports will take cognizance of points made in the letter, in particular, adhering to the mandate of the four strategic objectives and regarding sourcing of the data.

8. Madam President, India has longstanding relations with Sudan and its people. Over the years, India has assisted Sudan through several projects under concessional lines of credit, capacity building and humanitarian assistance. We wish to see Sudan emerge as a prosperous, peaceful and stable country in the coming years. India will continue to support Sudan and its people in these challenging times.

I thank you Madam President.

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