Delivered By: Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

I thank Special Representative Perthes for updating us on the recent developments in Sudan. We recognize and continue to support the collective efforts of the AU, IGAD, and UNITAMS, and I also welcome the participation of Ambassador Al-Harith Mohamed in today’s meeting.

This briefing comes at a historic moment for Sudan. Earlier this month, the Security Council adopted a resolution that sets the tone for UN engagement in Sudan going forward. At the initiative of the A3 and the United Arab Emirates, it outlines a clear timeframe to determine the future of the Sudan sanctions regime. Almost two decades since such measures were imposed, a sunset clause of this kind is critical as we chart a course for lifting sanctions in the near future.

The meeting today also coincides with the launch of the final phase of the political process. Despite the challenges faced throughout last year, Sudan launched a dialogue – supported by the trilateral mechanism – with the aim of achieving a sustainable political solution led and owned by the Sudanese people. As highlighted by SRSG Perthes in his statement, Sudan’s commitment has borne fruit since the signing of the political framework agreement in December, including the plans to sign the final political agreement and adopt the transitional constitution.

With these positive steps in their early stages, the UAE believes that now, more than ever, the Council and the broader international community must unite in support of Sudan and its people. This means, first and foremost, helping to address the challenges and obstacles that Sudan has faced, including the lack of financial resources needed to implement the Juba Peace Agreement. It also means creating the environment necessary for the Sudanese people to forge meaningful and lasting progress in the political process.

As such, I’d like to focus on three critical issues:

First, the completion of the transitional period in Sudan remains contingent upon broad political consensus. We believe that what unifies Sudanese stakeholders far outweighs that which divides them, and here we commend the recent efforts to expand the range of parties involved in the political process. We are under no illusions that crafting a way forward will require huge effort by all actors, both to overcome their differences and to work towards a consensus whilst also building trust. This is, in our view, the only way to achieve a truly Sudan-led and Sudan-owned solution and a peaceful way forward.

Second, the ongoing diplomatic efforts in the political process must be accompanied by decisive support to the Sudanese economy. Both tracks are complementary and mutually reinforcing. The economy tipped into recession last year and inflation remains in triple digits, among the highest in the world. Humanitarian actors estimate that about 15.8 million people – about a third of the population – will need humanitarian assistance this year. This is 1.5 million more than last year and is the highest since 2011.

Peace does not occur in a vacuum. The material conditions for progress are critical to addressing inequalities and promoting sustainable peace. Sudan needs international support to be able to develop its own capacity to respond to emergencies and channel critical resources to achieve long-term stability. In light of Sudan’s vulnerability to climate shocks, we emphasize the need for a comprehensive response enabling climate adaptation and community resilience as well.

Third, while the Secretary-General has reported a decrease in security incidents, the continued security challenges need to be tackled. We remain concerned by the increase in intercommunal violence, including the events that led to the death of a peacebuilding adviser in Blue Nile State. We are encouraged by the efforts made by local and religious leaders to defuse tensions. The dialogues facilitated by UNITAMS at the community level in various areas of Sudan that contribute to alleviating tensions between communities should be built upon. These efforts remain an essential pillar for the consolidation of peaceful coexistence in the country.

We also recognize the vital role of the Permanent Ceasefire Committee in Darfur as it continues its activities and engagement with the parties to ensure implementation.

In conclusion, Mr. President, the UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Sudanese people in their quest for stability and prosperity.

Thank you.