Sudan: Sudan Tells UN - No Imposed Solutions to Country's Conflict

Sudan's Foreign Minister addressed the UN General Assembly on Monday, speaking on behalf of de facto leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, whose visa was denied by the United States. In his address at the Assembly's annual high-level debate, Minister Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim expressed deep regret over the circumstances, stating that they contravened the principle of sovereign equality among nations, a cornerstone of the United Nations.

He urged the UN to document and investigate the incident, taking steps to enforce the 1947 Headquarters Agreement governing host country obligations towards UN delegates. Mr. Ibrahim vehemently condemned foreign interference in Sudan's affairs, emphasizing that only a sincere and constructive approach could end the decades-long conflict.

He reaffirmed Sudan's openness to any efforts aimed at halting the war inflicted upon its people, while firmly rejecting any attempts to impose solutions, dictates, or external agendas upon its citizens. The minister criticized international sanctions against Sudan for two decades, which he claimed damaged its economy and sovereignty, and contributed to cycles of violence and hindered national reconciliation.

He called for an end to the influx of weapons, ammunition, and mercenaries into Sudan, accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – former allies turned adversaries of the de facto government – of attacking civilians, medical facilities, and hospitals. Mr. Ibrahim strongly criticized the international community for failing to recognize the RSF as a terrorist organization and for not severing the cross-border supply channels that feed the militia.

He also expressed disappointment with the current state of UN institutions, which he claimed allow states to use or threaten force in international relations, interfere in the internal affairs of states, and disregard international law. He advocated for institutional reforms, particularly regarding the Security Council, proposing two permanent African seats.

Despite his criticisms, he acknowledged Sudan's continued positive cooperation with the UN, particularly with offices addressing sexual violence in conflict, children in conflict, humanitarian aid, and human rights mechanisms.