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

[Tuesday, 24 May 2022; 1000 hrs EDT/1930 hrs IST]

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) concerning implementation of resolutions 2524 and 2579 .

2. The reporting period has not seen any forward movement on issues related to the constitutional order and democratic transition process. In this context, the formation of a trilateral cooperation mechanism comprising of IGAD, AU and UNITAMS, to support a Sudanese-led process is a welcome initiative. The mechanism has brought about some momentum in the intra-Sudanese talks in the recent weeks. We encourage the mechanism to continue its efforts and assist Sudanese stakeholders finding a way forward. In this regard, we note the steps undertaken by the Sovereign Council, particularly the release of political detainees.

3. We continue to underscore the importance of implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement. In this regard, we note the positive developments such as further advances in the establishment of governance structures and operationalization of security arrangements in Darfur, including the Permanent Ceasefire Committee and the initiation of Standby Force. This momentum needs to be sustained in the coming days. We encourage reconstitution of DDR (Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration) commission, to facilitate integration of signatory armed movements into a security arrangement.

4. The recent intercommunal violence in West Darfur, is a matter of concern and reflects the complex reality on the ground. It is important to take measures to de-escalate tensions, promote active engagement between communities to build trust and confidence. There is no room for rhetoric or fault finding. We acknowledge the efforts being made by the Sudanese authorities to open channels of dialogue with the conflicting parties in places like South Darfur.

5. On the economic front, we note with concern the points made by the Secretary General in his report. The report states that the temporary suspension of a significant portion of international donor assistance, together with the pause in engagement by International Financial Institutions, severely impacted the inflows of overseas development assistance. We believe that the international community needs to avoid linking humanitarian and developmental assistance with the progress in the political process. As evident from SG’s report, these measures are exacerbating the humanitarian sufferings. There is an urgent need to scale up assistance as well and to ensure that humanitarian agencies receive the necessary funding to fully execute their plans without politicization of the basic needs of the people.

6. 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. Post the renewal of its mandate by 3 June, we expect UNITAMS to focus on implementation of its core mandates of the four strategic objectives in close partnership with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

7. 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. India wishes to see Sudan emerge as a prosperous, peaceful and stable country and towards that objective, will continue to support Sudan and its people in these challenging times.

I thank you Madam President.

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