Security Council Press Statement on Sudan
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Joanna Wronecka (Poland):
The Security Council welcomed the agreement signed on 17 August 2019 between the Forces for Freedom and Change and the Transitional Military Council in Sudan on the establishment of a new civilian-led transitional Government and transitional institutions. The Security Council further welcomed the inauguration of the Prime Minister and the Sovereign Council on 21 August 2019. It underscored that these are important steps to deliver peace and security for the people of Sudan.
The Security Council commended the commitment of the people of Sudan to a peaceful transition and welcomed the commitment by the civilian-led transitional Government to ensure effective implementation of the transitional agreements. The Security Council welcomed the vital mediation role undertaken by the African Union and Ethiopia, as well as the support given by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the League of Arab States and others in the international community.
The Security Council welcomed and supports the pledge of the parties to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief and the parties’ commitment to accountability and justice. The Security Council further welcomed the commitment to create a national independent committee to investigate the violent acts committed on 3 June 2019 and other incidents of human rights violations and abuses.
The Security Council welcomed the commitment in the agreement to achieve a fair, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Sudan by addressing the root causes of conflict and the impacts of war. The Security Council recalled the important role that women and youth have played in bringing about a peaceful transition in Sudan. It further underscored that Sudan’s stability will depend on an inclusive approach to public life and government, and encouraged the full, effective and meaningful participation of women, youth and marginalized and rural communities. The Security Council stressed the need to swiftly resume negotiations towards peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Darfur and South Kordofan and Blue Nile, and encouraged all parties to engage constructively, immediately and without preconditions in these discussions. The Security Council further emphasized the importance of ensuring full protection of civilians, including through safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
The Security Council stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues through a peaceful and inclusive dialogue. It reinforced the importance of timely and full implementation of the agreement to set Sudan on the path to a democratic future and sustainable and inclusive economic development, as demanded by the Sudanese people, and emphasized the importance of the international community providing all necessary and coordinated support during the transition period.
The Security Council reaffirmed its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of the Sudan.