The U.N. Security Council is troubled by the RSF’s announcement to create a governing authority in regions under its control in Sudan. This move threatens the country’s unity and peace efforts. With ongoing fighting, humanitarian crises are escalating, with millions displaced and in urgent need of aid. Diplomatic calls for negotiations and restoring civilian governance are critical to achieving stability.
The U.N. Security Council expressed strong concerns regarding the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announcing their intent to create a governing structure in regions under their control. Algeria’s Deputy Ambassador, Toufik Koudri, noted that this move threatens Sudan’s unity and complicates ongoing peace efforts. There is an urgent call from council members for the RSF to reverse these actions in favor of national interests and dialogue.
The RSF’s recent actions follow the signing of a 16-page charter in Kenya aimed at establishing a parallel authority. This charter comes as RSF controls much of western Sudan, including key areas in Darfur. The African members of the Security Council have proposed a resolution reiterating their worry over this development while emphasizing the need for negotiations to address the chaos in Sudan.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a warning that the RSF’s actions have the potential to exacerbate the existing civil war, which has been ongoing for almost two years. Amidst RSF maneuvers, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have made military gains around Khartoum, raising alarms among diplomats about the potential for Sudan’s disintegration.
U.S. political coordinator John Kelley stated support for restoring civilian governance in a unified Sudan and criticized the RSF’s attempts to assert control in its territories as detrimental to peace. British Ambassador Barbara Woodward stressed the necessity of adhering to principles that uphold Sudan’s sovereignty.
Ambassador Hwang Joonkook from South Korea warned that disrupting Sudan’s unity could have severe consequences for regional stability. Meanwhile, Sudan’s envoy condemned Kenya’s involvement in the RSF charter signing, insisting it threatens Sudan’s sovereignty. Kenya’s Ambassador Erastus Lokaale defended their role in promoting dialogue among Sudanese factions to foster consensus.
As the conflict persists, the SAF has outlined a plan for peace, which includes forming a transitional government. However, SAF representative Al-Harith Idriss criticized the RSF for continuing attacks, including a campaign in North Darfur’s capital, El-Fasher. Ongoing violence has forced humanitarian organizations to suspend critical assistance programs in affected areas, leaving millions in dire conditions without sufficient aid.
The U.N. estimates over 12 million individuals have been displaced due to the conflict between rival Sudanese military factions, with a staggering portion of the population facing acute hunger.
The U.N. Security Council’s concerns regarding the establishment of a governing authority by the RSF underscore the threats to Sudan’s national integrity and peace efforts. Diplomatic responses emphasize the need for negotiations and a return to civilian governance. The ongoing violence has facilitated humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and suffering from hunger, illustrating the urgency for international intervention and cooperation in restoring stability in Sudan.
Original Source: www.voanews.com