Sudan criticizes Security Council for lack of focus on “UAE’s aggression”
May 24, 2024 (NEW YORK) – Sudanese Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss voiced frustration following a closed-door UN Security Council meeting on Sudan, criticizing the meeting’s format for diluting the focus on the UAE’s alleged acts of aggression against Sudan.
The private meeting, held on Thursday, May 24, was initially expected to address the UAE’s alleged acts of aggression against Sudan. However, Mozambique’s Ambassador, who serves as the President of the Security Council for May, opted for a broader discussion on Sudan.
In his statement to the media, Ambassador Idriss voiced frustration that the meeting did not meet Sudan’s expectations or address the gravity of the situation. “We sought a dedicated meeting to address the acts of aggression perpetrated by the UAE against the Republic of Sudan,” he stated.
Idriss criticized the meeting’s format, suggesting it diluted the focus and urgency of Sudan’s concerns. “The presidency of the Security Council, due to the pressures exercised on them, decided to convene a meeting in a manner that does not align with our expectations or the seriousness of our complaint,” he explained. “The topics in the meeting format, as decided by the presidency, were not in accordance with our specific request. Instead, the meeting has been structured in a generalized manner, which, we believe, trivializes the focus and urgency of our concerns.”
This is not the first time Sudan has raised concerns over the UNSC’s approach. In April, a meeting to discuss Sudan’s complaint against the UAE was postponed at Britain’s request. Sudan accused Britain of altering the agenda of the May meeting to protect its economic interests with the UAE.
Despite his criticism, Ambassador Idriss acknowledged the efforts of Mozambique. “This is not an attack against the presidency of the Security Council at all. In fact, we commend his laborious efforts to reach a process with the view to convening this meeting. We also commend and applaud the practical consensus that he managed to realize,” he said.
Ambassador Idriss emphasized that Sudan remains committed to pursuing a focused discussion on the UAE’s actions. “Sudan remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing a dedicated meeting focused only on our complaint against the UAE. We are determined to engage with the Security Council to address its request,” he concluded.
The ongoing conflict between Sudan and the UAE has raised significant concerns within the international community, with calls for a more direct and focused intervention by the United Nations.
Following the Security Council meeting, U.S. Ambassador Lina Thomas-Greenfield condemned the RSF for their siege on El Fasher and their role in the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Without referring to the Sudanese request to discuss the UAE support to the RSF, Thomas-Greenfield warned that those who continue to support either side will be held accountable for the ongoing atrocities.
“External backers of the belligerents continue the flow of weapons into the country in flagrant violation of the UN arms embargo – further perpetuating the war, fracturing the country, and destabilizing the region. Any individual or country that continues to provide support to either side bears responsibility for the atrocities they commit,” she stressed.