Delivered by Permanent Representative of Estonia to UN Mr. Sven Jürgenson
Thank you Mr. President,
I thank Under-Secretaries Lacroix and DiCarlo for their joint briefing.
Estonia fully supports Prime Minister Hamdok and his government’s efforts to bring peace to the country, to lead a successful transition to democracy, and to recover the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a serious strain into an already fragile situation. Therefore, it is all the more important that the Security Council will do everything in its power to support Sudan at this historic crossroad.
We welcome the positive response by the Government of Sudan and the armed movements to the Secretary-General’s call for a Global Ceasefire. Estonia commends that the parties have found alternative ways to continue the peace talks amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage all sides to continue in good faith, and hope they can reach a timely agreement.
Mr. President,
We welcome the joint special report of African Union and United Nations on UNAMID, laying out recommendations for the follow-on mechanism. Estonia also appreciates the engagement from Sudan to have a dialogue with the Security Council on the planning of the follow-on mechanism. We are looking forward to the establishment of a new UN Mission, which supports Sudan in bringing democracy, peace and prosperity to the country. It is important that the follow-on mechanism equally addresses the hopes of Sudanese people as well as their concerns. Including the concerns related to the drawdown of UNAMID, such as widespread intercommunal conflict and sexual- and gender-based violence.
The violent clashes in Darfur, including the incident in El Geneina in January, underline the ongoing fragility of the situation. In this connection, it is crucial that we ensure sufficient Protection of Civilians capacity where necessary, based on a realistic risk-assessment on the ground. Not as a punitive measure, but on the contrary, as a way to help the government to successfully take full responsibility for the security. Putting too much pressure on Sudan at once, has a high risk of endangering the progress already achieved. The cost of relapse into conflict is too high, not only for Sudan, but for the entire region.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and possible delays that might occur with the drawdown schedules, we have to move on with replacing UNAMID with a new UN Mission, that is even better equipped to meet the current needs of Sudan.
Mr. President,
Estonia hopes that this Council will have the necessary unity of purpose to ensure the best possible support for Sudan during its historic transition. There cannot be any cutting of corners on the political, security or humanitarian fronts. We owe it to the people of Sudan.
Thank you!