Sudanese civil leader urges clear action on UN ceasefire resolution
March 12, 2024 (CAIRO, Egypt) – Yasir Arman, a prominent figure in Sudan’s Civil Coordination “Tagadum,” urged the international community on Tuesday to take concrete steps to enforce the UN Security Council’s recent ceasefire resolution.
The UN Security Council passed Resolution 2724 on March 8th, calling for all parties in Sudan’s conflict to cease hostilities during Ramadan. The resolution was adopted with 14 votes and a single abstention from Russia.
The Council ” Calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities during the month of Ramadan, and for all parties to the conflict to seek a sustainable resolution to the conflict through dialogue,” reads Resolution 2724 (2024).
Arman expressed concern about the lack of implementation mechanisms within the resolution. “We must capitalize on this international unity,” he stressed. “All efforts need to be consolidated into a single, unified initiative involving all countries. We need clear mechanisms to enforce the ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid, prevent further violations, and ensure civilian protection.”
He hailed the resolution as a landmark development. “This is the first time since the war began that a resolution on Sudan has passed without a veto,” Arman said. “It signifies a nascent international consensus that was previously absent regarding the war in Sudan.”
Arman expressed hope that the visit of the new U.S. envoy to Africa and the Middle East would push for the establishment of these enforcement mechanisms. He emphasized the need to translate the resolution from words on paper into concrete action within Sudan.
“This resolution represents a shift in international resolve,” Arman continued. “While spearheaded by Britain, the lack of objections from Russia and China marks a significant development in efforts to end the war.”
The resolution also called for unhindered humanitarian access, including cross-border and cross-line, and compliance with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians and civilian objects, and their commitments under the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan (“Jeddah Declaration”).
The Council encouraged the UN Envoy on Sudan Ramtane Lamamra to use his good offices with the parties and the neighbouring States, complementing and coordinating regional peace efforts.
Speaking about the ongoing efforts to end the conflict, Arman warned against excluding civilians from the political process. “The ultimate goal is to end the war and safeguard the December Revolution,” he declared. “Any political discussions held without civilian participation are fundamentally flawed. The absence of civilians paves the way for a gun-wielding political solution, where power rests solely with those who hold arms.”
The anti-war leader criticized the ongoing negotiations between the warring parties in Jeddah and Manama, arguing that they exclude civilians and thus fail to address the root causes of the conflict.
“A genuine political process can only take place in a truly open space,” Arman asserted. “This necessitates a revitalized and inclusive political movement, with the return of displaced persons, refugees, and civil society actors. The current parties have no right to discuss the political process without the involvement of civilian forces.”
Arman concluded by underlining the distinction between a ceasefire and a lasting peace. “A ceasefire requires specific military measures,” he explained, “whereas ending the war necessitates tackling the underlying political crisis.”
(ST)