A3 JOINT STATEMENT ON SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN

Madam President,

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

2.We thank the USG DiCarlo for her comprehensive presentation. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Sudan in today’s meeting.

Madam President,

3.After more than three years of conflict, Sudan’s humanitarian and protection crisis continues to worsen. Civilians face continued hostilities, mass displacement, acute food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and the collapse of essential services.

4.The A3 is deeply concerned by escalating violence in North Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur. We are particularly alarmed by RSF attacks in and around El Obeid, the growing use of drones, and the mounting risks to civilians and displaced communities. We are equally concerned by recent attacks affecting displaced populations in Blue Nile State.

5.The A3 strongly condemns atrocities committed by the RSF, including attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel and operations; conflict-related sexual violence; and other grave violations of international humanitarian law. All those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations must be held accountable.

6.All parties must uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians. We call for the removal of all impediments to relief operations. Humanitarian assistance must remain impartial and free from politicization. We also urge the international community to address funding shortfalls and scale up life-saving support.

Madam President,

7.Recent political and diplomatic engagements offer opportunities that must be encouraged. We call for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and reaffirm that there can be no military solution to this conflict.

8.The A3 welcomes the Government of Sudan’s efforts to advance a Sudanese-Sudanese national dialogue and contribute to a durable political settlement. These efforts must ensure meaningful participation by women, youth, civil society, and a broad spectrum of Sudanese political actors.

9.We welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, as well as the joint good-offices mission by the African Union, United Nations, IGAD, League of Arab States, and European Union. Regional and international initiatives must remain coherent and complementary.

10.We note the African Union Peace and Security Council’s field mission and continued engagement. We welcome its reaffirmation of Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity; the preservation of State institutions; and an African-led, Sudanese-owned political process.

11.The A3 supports the Sudanese National Initiative for Peace as a framework for reconciliation, and encourages its inclusive implementation in alignment with the AU Roadmap. We firmly reject all parallel governance structures that undermine Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, or national institutions.

Madam President,

12.The continued flow of illicit arms and advanced weaponry, together with the involvement of foreign mercenaries and external recruitment and support networks, including those reportedly supporting RSF operations, are fueling the conflict and prolonging human suffering.

13.We reject external interference and call on all external actors to cease military support, financing, or other assistance that sustains hostilities. All actors must comply with relevant Security Council resolutions and support peace efforts. Efforts to end the conflict must also address illicit natural-resource exploitation, including gold, that help finance the war. Those who enable these violations must be held to account.

14.The A3 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. Lasting peace requires an inclusive, Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process that preserves State institutions, protects civilians, leads to the restoration of constitutional order, and responds to the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.

I thank you.