Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the UNSC briefing on the situation in Sudan - August 9th, 2023

Madam President,

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Marta Pobee and Director Wosornu for their comprehensive briefings.

I also welcome Ambassador Al-Harith Mohamed and the Sudanese delegation to the meeting.

Madam President,

The violent power struggle that erupted in Sudan last April has plunged the country into disarray.

We remain deeply concerned by the ongoing military clashes that embroiled several Sudanese urban areas in hostilities from the beginning.

We are worried about the situation and the suffering of millions of civilians affected by those actions in such violent and precarious surroundings.

The scale of damage to essential infrastructure caused by heavy armed confrontation is appalling.    

We condemn the atrocities committed by the parties to the conflict in the strongest terms and regret that the protection of civilians has been utterly neglected in some parts of Sudan.

We are distressed by the reports of mass killings in West Darfur.

The fighting has also disrupted vital humanitarian aid, access to basic nutrition and essential services like health care, water, and electricity.

We are deeply worried by the lack of detailed information from the Darfur region, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan amid widespread hostilities.

Any plan to protect civilians in these areas demands thorough reporting on the ground.

Madam President,

Brazil strongly supports the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment, commends the Saudi and American efforts to bolster it, and regrets the repeated violation of its tenets.

We call on the parties to implement the basic pledges of the document, which are essential for the flow of vital humanitarian assistance.

We reiterate the calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and urge the parties to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences after a truce is reached.

A negotiated solution to the conflict is the only way to pave a peaceful political transition in Sudan.

The magnitude of losses and destruction in this conflict 4 has made it abundantly clear that the solution to this crisis is not military.

Sudan can count on support from its neighbors to engage in peaceful settlement.

After all, the violent power struggle that led to the conflict in Sudan is a tragedy for the Sudanese people as well as a threat to the stability and prosperity of the region.

The humanitarian effects of this crisis have been deeply felt in Sudan’s borders with Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Libya, and Eritrea.

Sudan can also rely on the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Arab League and many of its key partners for mediation and good offices.

Peaceful conflict resolution is necessary to build the bridge to a political transition that millions of Sudanese desire and deserve.

This is an important message for all Sudanese political forces to listen.

Brazil reaffirms its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.

Brazil reiterates its support for the Sudanese people in their quest for peace, justice, and dignity, and appeals to the international community to increase its solidarity with Sudan at this critical juncture.

The Security Council must act together to address the challenges faced by Sudan.

Inaction will impose a heavy toll to the Sudanese people, who simply cannot afford it.

Thank you.