Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
The United Nations Security Council Friday strongly condemned the military clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In a press statement, the Council expressed deep concern over the continued violence and called for an immediate end to hostilities. The recent clashes between SAF and RSF have been ongoing since April 15.
The Security Council said that the attacks on the civilian population, United Nations and associated personnel, humanitarian actors, and civilian objects were concerning. They also highlighted the looting of humanitarian supplies and called for safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid throughout Sudan by international law and humanitarian principles.
The Council emphasized the urgent need for all parties involved to cease hostilities, facilitate humanitarian access, and establish a permanent ceasefire arrangement. They stressed the importance of resuming the process toward a lasting, inclusive, and democratic political settlement in Sudan.
The Council reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and urged its continued engagement with the principles of national ownership.
In addition, the Council underlined the need for strengthened international coordination and collaboration. It welcomed the African Union (AU) Roadmap for resolving the Conflict in Sudan and the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, AU, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the League of Arab States to secure a viable peace process in Sudan.
The Security Council also commended the Jeddah Declaration, signed on May 11, 2023, by the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. This declaration acknowledges their responsibilities and commitments under international humanitarian and human rights law.
The Council expressed concerns regarding the impact of the conflict on neighboring countries. They called on international and regional organizations and UN member states to respond swiftly to the emerging humanitarian needs in Sudan and its neighboring countries.
The Security Council emphasized the binding nature of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA), signed on October 3, 2020. It encouraged international support for its full implementation, particularly its provisions for a permanent ceasefire in Darfur.
The Council also reiterated its strong commitment to the Republic of Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity by the Charter of the United Nations and the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference, and regional cooperation.
Meanwhile, the United States has expressed gratitude for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) for another six months. Ambassador Robert Wood, Alternate U.S. Representative for Special Political Affairs, said that the United States voted in favor of the resolution to demonstrate strong support for the mission and its efforts.
However, Ambassador Wood expressed regret that the Security Council could not reach a consensus on an updated mandate that accurately reflects the current situation in Sudan. He highlighted the importance of reporting the ongoing conflict and supporting efforts to cease hostilities. The United States put forth common sense recommendations in this regard, but other council members disagreed.
Ambassador Wood expressed hope that in the coming months, the Security Council can find common ground and agree on a resolution that empowers the mission to effectively support an end to the conflict, protection of human rights, provide unhindered humanitarian assistance, and the resumption of a process towards a democratic political settlement in Sudan.
In another development, the United States has expressed concern over the violence and damage witnessed in various parts of Senegal. The State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, wrote in a statement on June 3 that as a strong friend and partner to Senegal, the U.S. offered condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wished a fast recovery to the injured. Recognizing Senegal’s strong record of democratic governance, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence, the United States urged all parties to voice their views peacefully.