Date: Sunday, 16 June 2024
During a Security Council briefing on Thursday, Ambassador Ammar Mahmoud, representing Sudan, urged the Council to hold accountable countries allegedly supporting and arming “criminal militias” – a reference to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army since April.
“The UAE’s support and arms supplies are directly contributing to the violence and suffering of civilians in Sudan,” stated Mahmoud. He characterized the UAE as the “official and regional sponsor” of the RSF, alleging that their continued backing prolongs the conflict and fuels atrocities.
Mahmoud argued that there is “no reason to maintain Darfur sanctions if they do not include countries actively violating relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly the UAE and Chad.”
Citing a recent report from the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University, Mahmoud presented satellite imagery showing an IL-76 cargo plane, allegedly linked to the UAE, flying over RSF-controlled areas in Darfur. This, he claimed, demonstrates the UAE’s direct involvement in the war and its crimes against civilians.
Sudan’s statement to the Security Council also highlighted the evolving situation in Darfur, arguing that Resolution 1591 and subsequent resolutions have inadvertently hindered security efforts and civilian protection. They claim that the resolution while preventing the Sudanese armed forces from transferring equipment to the region, has not stopped other countries from arming the RSF.
The Sudanese government further warned that the conflict has created a dangerous corridor for mercenaries and fighters from the Sahel region, raising concerns about cross-border terrorism. They have urged the classification of the RSF as cross-border terrorists and emphasized the need to address these new dimensions of the conflict to achieve sustainable peace in Sudan.
Regarding the humanitarian situation, the Sudanese government’s statement highlighted its efforts to open several aid corridors across borders and frontlines to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with humanitarian partners to ensure aid reaches those in need, in accordance with national guidelines and established international humanitarian principles.
The statement also emphasized that utilizing Port Sudan as a central hub for distributing aid within the country is significantly more cost-effective than relying on routes through neighbouring nations. Sudan asserts that the country has sufficient food resources to meet the needs of its citizens.
“We strongly encourage the United Nations to purchase necessary supplies from the local market to reduce costs and indirectly support Sudanese farmers facing current challenges,” the statement urged.
However, the government also voiced concerns about the inadequate fulfilment of pledges made by international humanitarian organizations. This shortfall, they claim, has resulted in aid not reaching some vulnerable populations within Sudan and has also affected Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.
“While Sudan is committed to facilitating humanitarian access internally, this effort must be met with a corresponding commitment from humanitarian actors to fulfil their pledges,” the statement stressed. “The current level of assistance is far below what is needed to adequately address the crisis.”
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*Aid from the UAE is delivered to Port Sudan on Wednesday. AFP photo
