Burhan urges UN to act on Darfur arms embargo violations
December 23, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese Sovereign Council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan called on the United Nations to take action against violations of Security Council resolutions concerning the arms embargo on Darfur.
On September 11, the UN Security Council maintained the sanctions regime imposed on Sudan in 2004, including an arms embargo on all parties in the Darfur conflict and travel bans and asset freezes on individuals who violate the resolutions.
On Monday, Burhan met with the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, who has been visiting Port Sudan since Saturday. Foreign Minister Ali Youssif also attended the meeting.
In a statement, the Sovereign Council said Burhan urged the UN to “take action regarding the non-implementation of Security Council resolutions to stop the entry of weapons into Darfur and to halt the attack on the city of El Fasher.”
Burhan called on the international community to take “decisive and deterrent action” against countries supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Security Council has not yet considered Sudan’s complaint against the United Arab Emirates for allegedly providing weapons and military equipment to the RSF via Chad. Sudan has also filed a similar complaint against Chad with the African Union.
Burhan affirmed Sudan’s commitment to working with the UN to develop a shared vision for the future and stressed Sudan’s commitment to protecting civilians from RSF abuses.
He called on the UN and the international community to pressure the RSF and condemn its violations “more strictly and clearly.”
The RSF has been accused of committing atrocities throughout the conflict, including genocide, mass killings, forced displacement, rape, torture, and enforced disappearances. The army has also faced accusations of conducting airstrikes on civilian targets.
Burhan further stated that once citizens return to their homes and villages, a political process will be launched, and elections will be held for the people to decide their political future without external interference.
In a press statement, Lamamra said the UN is engaged in and encourages a negotiated solution to the Sudanese crisis. The UN seeks to help the Sudanese overcome this ordeal, expedite a return to normalcy, and focus on reconstruction and development, he added.
Lamamra said the UN is working to shorten the duration of the war and reduce casualties. He also affirmed the UN’s readiness to cooperate with Sudan to solve the crisis.