Khartoum: Sudan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Al-Harith Idris, renewed the Government of Sudan's commitment to achieving peace, affirming its acceptance of regional and international initiatives aimed at ending the war, while stressing that any sustainable settlement must stem from a purely Sudanese national will.
According to Sudan News Agency, Idris addressed the UN Security Council and emphasized that the government 'has spared no effort in seeking peace and engaging with initiatives aimed at ending the war and addressing the humanitarian situation,' citing the signing of the Jeddah Declaration of Principles in May 2023. He criticized the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia for positioning itself inside state institutions, public facilities, civilian homes, and hospitals, which he claimed led to violations that undermined the agreement's effectiveness.
He welcomed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy and affirmed Sudan's 'full cooperation with efforts aimed at ending the war,' while commending briefings delivered by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF.
Ambassador Idris explained that the multiplicity of negotiating forums and tracks has complicated settlement efforts. He stated that the fragmentation of efforts and lack of coordination, along with the failure of some initiatives to include all parties, have prevented addressing the root causes of the crisis and achieving a coherent peace strategy.
He emphasized that the government's vision is based on protecting civilians through an approved national plan, which includes the withdrawal of militias from cities in Darfur and Kordofan. He warned that any ceasefire not accompanied by such withdrawal would threaten the country's unity.
Idris noted that Sudan has submitted clear proposals to mediators regarding withdrawal from those areas, describing it as crucial for successful negotiations and preserving Sudan's unity. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to facilitating humanitarian access through all routes, airports, and ports without obstacles.
He underscored that the political process is 'a purely national ownership process managed inside Sudan and by the will of Sudanese people,' noting that the population is 'tired of the multiplicity of external initiatives and conflicting agendas of some states.'
On the issue of ceasefire, he stated that Sudan does not oppose it in principle but rejects any arrangement that would allow the militia to regroup militarily. Ambassador Idris also called for reliance on evidence and testimonies regarding violations, suggesting that the militia's record 'warrants its designation as a terrorist organization, similar to ISIS, Boko Haram, and the Lord's Resistance Army.'
Idris stressed that achieving peace requires broad participation, including political and social forces, women, youth, civil society organizations, as well as the armed forces and regular institutions as 'key guarantors of security.' He revealed plans by the government to organize a national conference on social peace and reconciliation aimed at 'rebuilding trust, strengthening peaceful coexistence, addressing the root causes of conflicts, and linking this process to transitional justice mechanisms,' ensuring that peace becomes an inclusive process not limited to the government.