Sudanese military have to create suitable atmosphere for dialogue: Perthes
May 24, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Volker Perthes UNITAMS head told the Security Council that time is running out for the Sudanese to strike a deal ending the current political crisis and called on the military leaders to implement confidence-building measures.
In a briefing to the 15-member body on the Sudanese crisis aggravated by the military coup of October 2021, Perthes spoke about the political, economic and security “disastrous” impacts of the political instability in the country.
He pointed out that the critical assistance the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) allocated to Sudan as part of the HIPC process will be reallocated to other countries by the end of June if a political solution is not reached.
In this respect, he further underscored that the restoration of a civilian-led government is required by donor countries to resume financial support to the Sudanese government, including debt relief.
“So if a solution to the current impasse is not found, the consequences will be felt beyond Sudan’s borders and for a generation. This is a message that I and the two Envoys continue to convey to Sudanese interlocutors,” he stressed.
UNITAMS head spoke about efforts of the tripartite mechanism to facilitate a dialogue ending the crisis. He added that dialogue can only succeed if a conducive environment was created.
“We also said that it is up to the Sudanese, particularly the authorities, to create this environment,” he emphasized.
The military rulers pledged to free political prisoners, end arbitrary detention, end violence against protesters and lift the state of emergency.
Nonetheless, the security authorities continue to open fire on protesters and arrest them. According to Emergency Lawyers over 130 protesters were held by the security forces.
Sudan’s Ambassador to the UN al-Harith Idriss called to support the government’s efforts to implement the peace agreement and to prepare for elections adding that UNITAMS is needed to play this role.
He further called to not link development assistance and political considerations stressing that it would endanger peacebuilding.
The international community must invest in the peace process because prosperity will help resolve conflict within communities, he added.
Africa calls for resumption of financial aid
Kenya’s Ambassador to the UN Martin Kimani, speaking also for Gabon and Ghana the two other non-permanent members of the Security Council, called on the international donors and international financial institutions to reconsider the temporary suspension of aid to Sudan and continue their support programmes and projects to sustain Sudanese lives and livelihoods.
“What is critical is for the Council to build the capacity of the Mission to effectively and efficiently implement its mandate,” he stressed.
The African support for the resumption of the economic assistance to the military-led government comes after several visits by a military member of the Sovereign Council Ibrahim Jabir to Gabon, Ghana and Kenya requesting their support for his government at the level of the Security Council meeting.
(ST)