I would like to direct a note of reproach to several esteemed journalists, who did not give enough attention to the speech of the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 26. In my view, it was an exceptional speech that represented the aspirations of the entire Sudanese people. He was able to reflect their suffering due to the war, their demands for peace, and their desire for respected positions from the international organization and all free nations that strive for justice, peace, and security.
How can the world stand idly by in the face of the ongoing violations committed against the Sudanese people by the rebel Rapid Support Forces? These forces initiated a war against the Sudanese, which began in mid-April last year with a failed coup, backed by regional and international support, and with the complicity of some internal political forces. This, gentlemen, is because our battle is a battle for a nation and a people, not just individuals or entities. It is far beyond a narrow view of the situation, with all its complexities and burdens.
In any case, we attempt in this article to highlight the main points of the speech and the repercussions that followed, in an attempt to map out the future of the political, and possibly military, scene in the near future. President Burhan confirmed in his speech that Sudan believes in and supports the role of the United Nations and the reform and development of its institutions, especially the Security Council, to consolidate multilateralism, collective security, and the protection of human rights, as well as addressing challenges related to terrorism or climate change. This sends a clear message that Sudan is part of the international family and supports its steps on issues of security, peace, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development.
The speech also carried subtle hints perhaps aimed at embarrassing the international organization regarding what is happening in Sudan, specifically the growing unilateral actions outside the scope of the UN, which contradict the Charter and international law. These actions include the use of political and economic coercion to achieve political goals that primarily contribute to undermining security, political, and economic stability, and igniting wars. This was a clear reference to regional and international intervention in fueling the Sudanese war.
Additionally, the speech pointed to the selectivity and double standards that have become a dominant feature in international relations. This intelligent reference emphasizes that what is happening in Sudan is not being viewed from the perspective of the Sudanese people’s interests but rather from the standpoint of global interests. This is a face of modern colonialism that should not be ignored.
The speech also addressed the challenges and conspiracies Sudan is facing due to a war launched by a group that rebelled against the state with local, regional, and international political and logistical support. This war has resulted in widespread humanitarian crimes, atrocities, and violations against the Sudanese people by these rebel forces, outside the bounds of international humanitarian law, which seeks to spare civilians from the horrors of war.
Furthermore, the speech highlighted the rebel forces’ defiance of international laws and commitments without regard for the consequences, as well as their rejection of the Jeddah Declaration signed between them and the Sudanese army on May 11 last year, and their refusal to comply with UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting arms imports to Darfur, and the resolution regarding the capital of North Darfur, El Fasher.
The speech also conveyed the Sudanese people and government’s question about why the international community has not taken decisive and firm action against this group and its supporters, despite all the condemnations issued against them for crimes against humanity and war crimes, which the world witnessed. This double standard reinforces impunity, undermining accountability, a key principle of the United Nations, after the killing of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions of Sudanese from their homes.
The speech clearly places the responsibility for the violations on the rebel forces, affirming that their continued systematic attacks are daily worsening the suffering of the Sudanese people. The government, for its part, is committed to facilitating humanitarian work, protecting humanitarian and medical convoys and teams, and fully adhering to international humanitarian law and civilian protection procedures.
In my estimation, the speech successfully outlined a roadmap to end the war in Sudan based on two main axes. The first is the cessation of military operations by withdrawing the rebel forces from the areas they have occupied and displaced people from, and disarming them, allowing citizens to return to their homes, enabling the delivery of aid, and reopening roads and airports. The second axis is a comprehensive political process that restores the democratic political transition and puts in place sustainable solutions to prevent the recurrence of wars and military coups.
The speech also reaffirmed the army’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations following the December 2019 revolution, by handing over power to a consensual, elected government. Clearly, the speech opened many doors for delivering the Sudanese people’s voices and their suffering due to the war to the international community.
This, in addition to the bilateral meetings held by President Burhan with leaders from friendly and brotherly countries—Turkey, Kuwait, Russia, Central Africa, Nigeria, and others—alongside a press conference on the sidelines of the sessions attended by several TV channels, correspondents, and international journalists. The discussions there clearly outlined the situation in Sudan and explained the comprehensive plot and the role expected of the world to condemn the rebellion and its supporters. This became evident later in the reports and news from major newspapers and global media channels, through investigative reports condemning the rebellion and exposing many violations and dirty roles played by some regional countries in the Sudanese war. This was clearly reflected in reports from Amnesty International, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and several highly credible global newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Economist.
In light of this, observers consider one of the most significant positive repercussions of the speech, which may have been preceded by joint coordination and understandings, to be the decision by US President Joe Biden to exempt Sudan from sanctions imposed under the US Victims of Trafficking Protection Act of 2000, allowing developmental aid to continue. This step, considered by observers as a way to enhance bilateral relations and common interests between Sudan and the United States, confirms the continuation of aid and supports the objectives of the law while serving the national interests of both countries. Clearly, the US is looking to enter Sudan post-war with significant investments to contribute to reconstruction and gain a share of Sudan’s resources, and this decision may be a prelude to such entry.
Additionally, Sudanese Foreign Minister Hussein Awad announced that the US Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, and USAID Administrator Samantha Power will visit Port Sudan in October, following a failed visit in July. Tom Perriello had previously announced his continued efforts to seek other opportunities for the visit. We should also not forget the upcoming visit tomorrow, Thursday, by the African Union, represented by the African Peace and Security Council.
In conclusion, the face of truth remains in asserting that all these positive movements towards Sudan are linked to Sudan’s speech and its participation in the international organization’s meetings, alongside the broad international moves the Sudanese government has been making recently. This is in addition to the wide-ranging military measures the army is taking on the ground in all fronts to crush the rebellion, close the chapter of war, and move forward to restore security and achieve the peace that all Sudanese aspire to.
May you all remain well and in good health.
