Security Council Briefing on the Work of the 1591 Committee
In accordance with paragraph 3(a)(iv) of resolution 1591 (2005), I have the honor to brief the Security Council on the work of the Sudan Sanctions Committee, covering the period from 11 December 2020 to 24 March 2021.
During this reporting period, the Committee issued its annual report for the year 2020 which is available on the Committee website; it held two informal “informal” consultations in the format of a closed videoconference, and has received and considered the Sudan Panel’s final and the last quarterly update.
Mr. President, the Panel of Experts on the Sudan submitted its final report to the Committee in December 2020. The Committee members discussed the content and recommendations presented by the Panel of Experts on 11 January 2021 during the virtual informal “informal” consultations. Following these Committee’s discussions, the Committee considered follow-up action. In this regard, the Committee issued a press release on 25 February, urging the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) signatory movements to stop recruiting fighters, in violation of the JPA, including in internally displaced persons’ camps. The Committee also urged the Darfurian major non-signatory groups to engage in peace talks with the Government of Sudan as soon as possible. I, on behalf of the Committee, addressed a letter dated 25 February 2021 to the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to the United Nations, reiterating some of the Panel’s recommendations. On 4 March 2021, the Committee received a letter of response from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Sudan. The Panel’s final report was made publicly available on 13 January 2021.
On 23 February 2021, the Committee held virtual informal “informal” consultations with the Sudan, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, and Uganda. This was the eighth meeting of the Committee held to discuss implementation of the measures with the Sudan and regional States. The invited States were also encouraged to share their views on the final report of the Panel of Experts on the Sudan.
Following a briefing by the Panel of Experts, the Sudan and regional States expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to share with the Committee and the Panel their views on the final report. The Sudan underlined that the situation in Darfur considerably improved compared to 2005 when the sanctions were imposed. The Sudan expressed its readiness to work with the Committee in order to establish “clear, well identified, and measurable key benchmarks” to review measures on the Government of Sudan with the ultimate objective to lift the sanctions regime. All neighbouring States supported the Sudan in its efforts to implement the Juba Peace Agreement, and expressed their commitment to the implementation of the sanctions measures. The Sudan and regional States further noted their willingness to cooperate with the Committee and the Panel of Experts towards furthering peace in the Sudan and the region.
Regarding the delisting request submitted by the Sudan, the Committee removed one individual, Adam Yacub Shareif from the 1591 Sanctions List, and objected to the delisting of one individual. The Committee continues to consider the delisting request for the two remaining individuals.
On 11 March 2021, the Committee received the Panel’s last quarterly update. The Panel updated us about the implementation of the peace agreement, regional dynamics, the status of the armed groups in the region, and intercommunal violence. I would like to bring to the attention of the Council the following from the Panel’s reporting.
In the first months of 2021, the peace process in Darfur continued and reached a significant new stage. Fighting between the Government of Sudan forces against rebel factions in Darfur have notably reduced. Notwithstanding, clashes between splinter rebel factions continued in parts of Jebel Marra. A number of intercommunal clashes also broke out. The Government of Sudan took some measures to respond to those clashes, however, more measures to enhance the protection of civilians for communities in Darfur continued to be of paramount importance and needs to be expedited.
On 11 March 2021, the Secretary-General appointed the Experts to serve on the Panel until 12 March 2022.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the sanctions regime was established for the sole purpose of helping to bring peace to Darfur. It is not to punish Sudan, but to support the attainment of sustainable peace. The 1591 Committee reiterates its commitment to work together with Sudan and all relevant stakeholders to make this a reality.
Thank you, Mr. President