Sudan: it is urgent that the parties return to dialogue and (…)

Mr President,

I would like to thank Mrs. Edem Wosornu for her presentation, as well as Mrs. Sheyna Lewis and Mr. Saad Bahr El-Din, Sultan of Massalit, for their presentations.

For my part, I would like to emphasize three points.

First, the situation in Sudan remains dramatic. France condemns the attacks by Rapid Support Forces against civilians perpetrated in North Darfur, Gezirah and Omdurman. Reports of ethnically motivated violence and mass sexual violence committed by the RSF are alarming.

France condemns the strikes by the Sudanese Armed Forces against civilian targets, in particular that of December 9 which left more than 100 dead on a market in Kabkabiya in Darfur.

It is urgent that the parties return to dialogue and conclude a ceasefire as quickly as possible. The arms embargo on Darfur was unanimously renewed last September and we call on foreign actors to refrain from any military, logistical or financial support to the parties.

Second, parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international law and in particular international humanitarian law. France calls on all parties to the conflict to allow the full, safe, rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Sudan, across borders and front lines. In this respect, it recalls the Declaration of Principles adopted at the Paris Conference on April 15, 2024. Humanitarian workers must be protected in accordance with resolution 2730 in particular.

France welcomes the decision of the Sudanese authorities to approve the continuation of humanitarian operations from Chad to Sudan via Adré. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs went there on November 28. He announced additional aid of 7 million euros to support the populations.

Third, there is an urgent need to do more to protect civilians. We call on the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to respect their commitments contained in the Jeddah Declaration. To do this, France supports the establishment of a monitoring and verification mechanism, in conjunction with international and regional actors in order to ensure the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration.

France deplores the veto by the Russian Federation of the draft resolution proposed by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone on November 18, going against the position of the 14 other members of the Council, in particular the African members.

We remain committed to action to implement the recommendations of the Secretary-General in his report of 18 October, in accordance with resolution 2736.

Mr President,

As the parties persist in seeking an impossible military victory, it is the very unity of the country that is in danger as the fighting continues. Only an inclusive political process, involving all parties and the whole of civil society, can make it possible to find a lasting political solution to the conflict, while respecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people and the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan.

France reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, and will remain mobilized to help create the conditions necessary for a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

Thank you.