September 13, 2022
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, SRSG Perthes for your comprehensive briefing. We commend you and your team for supporting the people of Sudan and their aspirations to restore a civilian-led transition to democracy. The United States continues to fully support the collaborative efforts of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development to facilitate a Sudanese-led political process to restore a civilian-led transition to democracy. Following the public commitment of Generals Burhan and Hemedti to accept a civilian agreement on a new government, we welcome inclusive dialogue of civilian, pro-democracy parties to develop new constitutional arrangements and a civilian-led transitional government. Such arrangements should clearly define a timeline for free and fair elections; procedures for selecting a transitional prime minister and other key officials; the authorities and role of the military; and dispute resolution mechanisms to help avoid future political crises. Full respect for freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly is vital. We have consistently condemned violence against and unjust detentions of peaceful protesters and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
We support Sudanese calls for accountability into incidents of violence, including through transitional justice mechanisms. We condemn recent violence in Darfur, Blue Nile, and elsewhere, which only deepens the dire humanitarian situation on the ground, erodes the gains of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA), and hinders efforts to achieve sustainable peace. Ongoing violence demonstrates the urgent need for the Juba Peace Agreement to be implemented, including the full deployment of the Security Keeping Forces in Darfur, inclusive security sector reform, robust international monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent transitional justice processes, including accountability for violence against civilians and other human rights abuses and violations.
Finally, we are further concerned by the heavy rains and flash flooding that continue to affect tens of thousands of people across Sudan. These events underscore the continuing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The United States is supporting the provision of safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency shelter items, and more to the most affected communities. Longstanding USAID disaster preparedness programs in Sudan are also responding through the distribution of prepositioned relief supplies. Thank you, Madame President.