A3 JOINT-STATEMENT AT THE UNSC BRIEFING ON THE SITUATION IN SUDAN

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Permanent Representative of The Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations

19th January 2026

Thank you, Mr. President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 members, namely Liberia, Somalia, and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2. The A3 thanks Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing and takes note of the Forty-second report of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1593.

3. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Sudan in today’s meeting.

Mister President,

4. The A3 reaffirms Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

5. We believe that any sustainable solution to the current crisis must respect Sudan’s political independence while addressing the legitimate demands of victims for justice and accountability, particularly in Darfur.

6. Justice and accountability remain central to fostering peace and stability in Sudan. The A3 emphasizes that transitional justice is vital for achieving national reconciliation and must be integrated into the broader process of stabilizing the country. In this regard, accountability for serious crimes committed against civilians is indispensable to breaking cycles of violence and deterring future atrocities.

7. In this context, the A3 encourages the Office of the Prosecutor to continue its discussions with the African Union Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, having taken note of the activities carried out within the framework of the joint African Union Fact-Finding Mission, in collaboration with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the "ACHPR"), as mandated by the African Union Peace and Security Council.

8. The A3 notes the Office of the Prosecutor’s ongoing call for full cooperation from all partners. We recall that Resolution 1593 (2005) is a binding Chapter VII resolution under the Charter of the United Nations and is applicable to all UN Member States.

9. Against this background, we encourage the Court to continue advancing its investigations and judicial proceedings in line with due process and call upon all relevant actors to support these efforts in accordance with their obligations under international law.

10. The A3 notes the conviction of Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd- Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb. This conviction represents a historic step in international justice for the situation in Darfur. It is the first conviction and sentencing resulting from a referral by the Security Council to the ICC, and the first conviction in the Darfur situation, demonstrating that accountability for crimes committed in Darfur is achievable.

11. While noting the gains made by the Court and the challenges it continues to face, we wish to highlight a few critical points, mindful of the principle of complementarity as reflected in the Rome Statute.

12. We must explore all avenues for revitalizing national justice institutions to support Sudanese ownership of this critical process.

13. It is imperative to create an environment that strengthens Sudan’s capacity to administer justice.

14. Sudanese leadership in addressing justice must take precedence, supported by regional and African mechanisms.

15. We note the establishment of a national coordination committee, headed by a Supreme Court judge, and the Government's efforts to investigate human rights violations.

16. Cooperation between Sudanese authorities and the ICCcan foster accountability while respecting the principle of complementarity and national sovereignty.

17. We welcomes the cooperation demonstrated by Sudan in its engagement with the Court, reflecting its stated commitment to the principles of justice and accountability.

18. The devastating conflict in the Sudan continues to claim numerous lives, creating an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis that demands our collective action.

19. The A3 condemns the crimes perpetrated in Darfur and underscores the imperative of accountability for these crimes, stressing that such atrocities must be neither ignored nor repeated.

20. We call upon the Court to expedite the completion of its investigations of those responsible for these atrocities without further delay.

21. We must scrutinize the role of external actors in fueling the conflict and monitor those destructive roles with transparency.

To conclude Mr. President,

22. The A3 stands firmly with the people of the Sudan and the victims of these atrocities.

23. The protection of civilians must remain our highest priority.

24. The cycle of violence can only be broken through dialogue, accountability, and a genuine commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all civilians..

25. The international community must remain committed to supporting the Sudanese people in their pursuit of justice, stability, and reconciliation.

I thank you.