Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), 17 April 2019
Mr President,
We would like to express our appreciation to you for convening this meeting. We also thank the African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative for UNAMID, Mr J Mamabolo for his enlightening briefing to this Council.
We are particularly grateful to UNAMID for their continued efforts in Darfur in their pursuit for peace.
The united efforts of the international community have led to substantial progress in building peace in Darfur and the wider region. Our continued efforts should preserve these gains that have been made in recent years. It is out hope that the developments in Khartoum will not negatively affect the gains made thus far.
We should continue to give oxygen to the gains made in advancing the Darfur Peace Process and the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. It is important that the international community continues to support these important processes and encourage all stakeholders to implement the outstanding provisions from various Commissions.
It is imperative that adequate support is provided to internally displaced persons, particularly, focusing on prevention of sexual violence against women and children.
The importance of humanitarian support to affected areas in Sudan remains an important lifeline to many people. It is essential that there is an eventual transition from humanitarian support to reconstruction and development in the Darfur area as UNAMID eventually exits Sudan.
South Africa support that UNAMID should continue upholding it’s Mission and continues the course of the drawdown.
Mr President,
On the wider Sudan settlement, it’s critical that Sudanese people to seize this opportunity to address all their current differences and ensure the inclusion of all Sudanese. The developments in Darfur are inextricably linked to that of Sudan and the region.
South Africa underscores the importance of a credible transition and a transparent process that will aide in unifying the country.
As the international community we should rally behind the ambitions of the Sudanese people.
Furthermore, our engagement on Sudan should further be guided by regional approaches and through the African Union. The African Union Peace and Security Council Communiqué of 15 April 2019 on the situation on Sudan urgently appeals to all the AU partners and the international community to support their effort, through this adopted communiqué. This communiqué assists the trajectory of the Sudanese people. The unity of the council in supporting this approach is vital.
The Council should support the Secretary Generals endeavours in supporting the African Union in trying to find resolve through peaceful means.
Mr President
South Africa is of the firm view that support to the economy is essential. The need to address socio economic needs of the Sudanese people will be paramount in the rebuilding of Sudan as this constituted part of the root causes of the current impasse.
On accountability, we should give space to the Sudanese to utilise their own internal mechanisms to address accountability issues and chart their future trajectory.
Lastly Mr President, it’s important that the Council calls for calm and for the situation to be resolved peacefully and amicably through inclusive political dialogue.
We would like to express our appreciation to the AUHIP for their work and request their continued leadership and support in making peace in the broader Sudan.
I thank you!
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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