Mozambique at UN: external actors fuelling Sudan conflict
September 11, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – Mozambique, speaking on behalf of African Union countries at the UN Security Council, voiced deep concern on Wednesday over external actors fuelling violence in Sudan and demanded accountability.
The Security Council committee on Sudan, chaired by South Korea, provided an update on its work since June 14. Mozambique’s representative, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, stressed the need to hold both internal and external actors accountable for crimes against civilians and arms embargo violations.
“It is unfortunate that external actors continue to fuel the conflict and cause unimaginable suffering for that country’s people,” he stated, urging the Council to address these negative interferences.
He praised the Council’s unanimous one-year extension of the Sudan sanctions regime as a sign of its ability to find common ground. He called for holistic support for peace-making efforts in Sudan.
“When condemning violations of international law, it is also important to recognize positive steps taken to ease the suffering of civilians — such as Sudan’s decision to reopen the Adre border crossing and the Dabbah Road. It is time that Sudan regains its status as a vibrant and prosperous African nation,” he emphasized.
This marked the first time the African bloc took such a strong stance in support of the Sudanese government, which has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in its ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army.
In a prior meeting, Sudan’s UN representative reiterated accusations against the UAE and called for action to stop alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by the RSF, blaming external forces for these violations.
The UAE representative responded, calling the claims a “cynical attempt to deflect attention from the failings of the Sudanese Armed Forces.” He urged the warring parties to cease fighting and negotiate a peaceful settlement.
The United States included the UAE in the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group initiative, a move that led Sudan to refuse to join the process.