Sudanese diplomat: Agreement to end war requires new UN mission
December 4, 2023 (ADDIS ABABA) – Former Sudanese ambassador to the United States, Nureldin Satti, stated that an agreement to end the war in Sudan would necessitate a new UN mission, but it would be difficult to establish it under Chapter VII.
On Friday, the UN Security Council voted to terminate the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Political and Peacebuilding Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), effective December 3. The decision was passed with a majority of 14 votes, with Russia abstaining.
Ambassador Satti told the Sudan Tribune that if an agreement is reached to end the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a new mission would be required to assist in the implementation of the agreement.
“This could necessitate a Chapter VII mission, but it would be difficult for the UN Security Council to approve such a mission,” he said, referring to the rifts within the UN Security Council after the invasion of Ukraine.
“I don’t believe UNITAMS’ departure will have a significant impact because it is no longer very effective in bringing an end to the war or the political process,” he said. “Our objection is to the mission’s mandate being terminated at the request of an illegitimate government,” he stressed.
Despite serving as Sudan’s first ambassador to the United States in nearly 25 years, Sati was dismissed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan following a coup against the transitional civilian government on October 25, 2021.
According to the recent UN Security Council resolution, the mission will cease operations in Sudan on December 4, provided that it transfers its tasks to United Nations agencies and completes the transfer process by February 29, 2024, allowing for the liquidation of the mission to begin in early March of next year.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed on December 4 that the UN team in Sudan will continue its essential work in the country, including providing life-saving humanitarian assistance.
“The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the escalating conflict in Sudan and its devastating impact on civilians,” he stated. “He will continue to engage with all Sudanese stakeholders in support of the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful and secure future.”
Guterres recently appointed Ramtane Lamamra as his Personal Envoy for Sudan. Lamamra will support ongoing peace efforts, working closely with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
(ST)