Mr. Stéphane Séjourné, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France
Mrs. Annalena Baerbock, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany
Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union Commission
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me, at the outset, to extend gratitude on behalf of His
Excellency the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States to France
for the generous invitation to participate in this significant
conference.
As we convene here, stepping into the second year of this harrowing
conflict, the grim human tragedies unfolding before us will undoubtedly
be etched as the darkest chapter in Sudan's post-independence history.
Nearly 11 million Sudanese have been uprooted from their homes and
villages, seeking refuge in distant locales and neighboring nations.
Their abandonment has left their possessions and savings vulnerable to
pillaging by armed factions, some of whom are foreign to Sudan itself.
Meanwhile, amidst dwindling humanitarian efforts, the ominous shadow of
famine looms over a nation once envisioned as the region's breadbasket.
Despite the grievous wounds inflicted upon the Arab world, the
League of Arab States remains steadfast in its commitment to the
restoration of peace, security, and stability in Sudan, recognising the
pivotal role and significance of this esteemed nation in both regional
and global security frameworks.
The League's proactive recognition of the multifaceted crisis and
its dire ramifications for Sudan's future has underscored its emphasis
on five interconnected overarching principles:
1. Safeguarding Sudanese state institutions to prevent their collapse or any erosion of Sudan's integrity and sovereignty.
2. Supporting endeavours to establish the conditions necessary for a comprehensive and enduring ceasefire.
3. Promptly addressing humanitarian needs.
4. Facilitating
a comprehensive Sudanese-led political dialogue, while acknowledging
the importance of supporting Sudanese initiatives.
5. Enhancing
and expediting collaboration among the League of Arab States, the
United Nations, the African Union, and IGAD to tackle the crisis
effectively.
It is evident that there exists a consensus on these five
principles, and their realisation demands solidarity and concerted
efforts. Disjointed endeavours will exact a heavy toll. Without the
successful alignment of national, regional, and international
initiatives towards achieving the requisite political and military
conditions for a comprehensive ceasefire, the establishment of a viable
platform for political dialogue among Sudanese factions will remain an
elusive aspiration. Consequently, the plight of the Sudanese populace
will worsen, and Sudan risks descending into the abyss witnessed by
other nations, where the agendas of warlords and their sectarian
affiliations supersede national allegiance and civic virtues, rendering
the state a breeding ground for extremist ideologies and unlawful
activities.
Today, we harbour hope that the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the Jeddah talks will yield success in the imminent future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The League of Arab States commends the international efforts
directed towards alleviating the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan,
notably exemplified by this significant international conference aimed
at bolstering the resilience of Sudanese communities and host
communities in neighbouring nations in confronting this humanitarian
catastrophe. We stand fully committed to ensuring the utmost
coordination between the outcomes of this conference and ongoing
humanitarian initiatives, with several Arab countries extending support
to alleviate the plight of the Sudanese people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Secretary-General has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Sudanese
populace on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, in close
collaboration with the United Nations and the African Union. In this
appeal, he implored for bloodshed to cease in reverence of this sacred
month and urged relentless pursuit of all viable avenues for peace and
dialogue, with a steadfast commitment to prioritise the nation's welfare
above all else. He urged for decisive actions to silence the guns, mend
the wounds, and rekindle hope for the future. The League of Arab States
reaffirms its unwavering support for every initiative aimed at
reinstating peace, stability, and optimism in Sudan for the betterment
of its people.
Today, after the holy month of Ramadan had ended, I was asked to
reiterate this call from Paris, underscoring the imperative of aligning
Arab and international efforts with the aspirations of millions of
Sudanese yearning to end this tragic conflict and secure a brighter
future for Sudan and its people.
Wishing you the utmost success.
