Sudan’s FM Warns UN Agencies Against Dealing with Militia’s Humanitarian Arms
Khartoum – Sudanhorizon
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation summoned the Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and all UN agencies representatives accredited to Sudan on Wednesday to review the government’s position rejecting the decision issued by the political arm of the Rapid Support Forces militia to establish the so-called “National Authority for Humanitarian Access.” This authority sought to impose registration procedures on all foreign and national organizations, requiring them to obtain accreditation within 30 days and sign technical agreements and open offices with this entity within 45 days.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that during the briefing, the government reiterated its rejection of the move and emphasized that registering with the “National Authority for Humanitarian Access,” or entering into any agreement, memorandum of understanding, or any form of institutional dealings with it, constitutes support for entities parallel to legitimate state institutions and a clear violation of Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions.
The government also clarified that this step contradicts UN Security Council Resolution 2015 of August 2015, which rejected the establishment of any parallel authorities or structures in Sudan and warned that any unilateral action in this regard constitutes a direct threat to the country’s unity and territorial integrity, and jeopardizes regional peace and stability.
In the same vein, the government called upon all international and regional organizations accredited to Sudan to instruct their staff to strictly adhere to respecting Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. It reminded them of the need to operate in accordance with international humanitarian principles, namely complete neutrality, impartiality, and the independence of humanitarian action from any political, military, or economic objectives.
The Ministry also invoked UN General Assembly Resolutions 182 (1991) and 114 (2003), which emphasize the provision of humanitarian assistance with the consent of the affected country and in response to its appeal, while fully respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, in accordance with the UN Charter.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the Government of Sudan will not tolerate any violations that affect the sovereignty of the state, the integrity of its territory, and the unity of its legitimate national institutions. At the same time, the government expressed its full appreciation to its international partners in humanitarian organizations and the vital and constructive role they play, affirming its full commitment to cooperation and coordination with all United Nations agencies and to providing all necessary facilities to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need in all regions of Sudan without exception.
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