“By doing so, we increase the chances of stopping the violence and the bloodshed in the country,” reads a statement issued by the group.
“Anything less would also send a signal to the Sudanese people that the Council is abandoning them at their time of greatest need”, it added.
Taqaddum, in its statement, said it is aware that serious discussions have been taking place within the UN about the future of UNITAMS as its mandate is due to be renewed this month.
“..we call on the UNSC to not only extend, but also strengthen the mandate in a way that will help end the war in Sudan, address the current humanitarian crisis, achieve sustainable peace, and restore the path of civil and democratic transformation,” the noted.
The group also commended the UN mission for it’s work on ensuring Sudan returns to civilian rule, two years after a coup d’etat that saw Hamdok ousted.
It stresed that Sudan has no legitimate central government authorized to decide on matters like termination of the UN mission in the war-torn nation.
“Any attempt to terminate UNITAMS, unless through its replacement with a new mission with an even more robust mandate in Sudan would exercerbate the already deteriorating situation and divert the international community’s attention away from the crisis,” it said.
Meanwhile the umbrella group welcomed the appointment of Ramtane Lamamara, the UN Secretary General’s special envoy to Sudan, but stressed that UNITAM’s work cannot continue without extension of it’s mandate.
(ST)
