The United Nations Security Council has approved a request submitted by Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to obtain UN support during the transitional period, stressing the need to protect the gains and avoid a return to war.
The Council welcomed the commitment of the Sudanese government and most of the armed groups to engage in peace talks and reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
The Sudanese government has earlier asked the UN to deploy a peacekeeping mission in the country as soon as possible under Chapter 6 of the UN charter, covering the entire territory of Sudan.
The request was presented by Hamdok to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on January 22.
It includes supporting the implementation of the Constitutional Declaration and peace efforts in Juba, mobilizing international economic assistance for Sudan, coordinating in humanitarian assistance issues, and offering technical support to the constitutional making.
Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of the US Mission to the United Nations Ambassador Cherith Norman said the Security Council is expected to create a new mission in Sudan in May.
She said the mission will support Hamdok and the transitional government and foster political stability and peace for all Sudanese – especially those in Darfur and other conflict-affected areas.
The Security Council held a session via videoconference with the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), in which it listened to two briefings by UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo.
On Friday night, the Security Council issued a statement affirming its support for the attempts to attain a successful transition that fulfills the hopes and aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful, stable, democratic, and prosperous future.
According to the statements the council members have been following with concern the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Sudan, in light of its social, economic, and humanitarian conditions.
“The exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the peace process in Sudan as well as the drawing down of the UN mission there,” Lacroix noted.
Notwithstanding the “dire” situation, Lacroix, assured the Council that the UN is “fully mobilized” to continue supporting the Sudanese people.
Noting progress on political reforms, accountability, and women’s participation in decision making, he said that “the Sudanese authorities and people have pushed ahead” with implementing their democratic transition.
