S/PV.8377 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with article 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Jeremiah Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, to participate in this meeting. Mr. Mamabolo is joining today’s meeting via video-teleconference from Johannesburg. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2018/912, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. I now give the floor to Mr. Mamabolo. Mr. Mamabolo: It is an honour for me to update the Security Council once again on the situation in Darfur and the work of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), in particular the mission’s reconfiguration and drawdown process. Detailed information on those issues is contained in the Secretary-General’s report on UNAMID (S/2018/912) published on 12 October, which covers the period 11 June to 8 October. With the adoption of resolution 2429 (2018), on 13 July, we embarked in earnest on the mission’s reconfiguration and drawdown. In accordance with the joint special report of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission and the Secretary-General (S/2018/530), we are in the process of relocating the mission’s headquarters from El Fasher to Zalingei, and the Joint Special Representative to Khartoum. The mission, together with the United Nations country team in the Sudan, is in the process of finalizing the concept of state liaison functions, which will facilitate collaboration for the duration of the mission’s transition and eventual exit. The mission is on course to reduce the military component by 3,265 personnel by December and another 1,420 personnel by 30 June 2019. The police component will remain at an overall strength of 2,500 personnel. The military component will continue to maintain its presence in the redefined areas of responsibility in the greater Jebel Marra area, while focusing on traditional peacekeeping functions and maintaining the flexibility to respond in the rest of Darfur when the situation demands it. Concomitant with the reduction in the military component, the abolishment of 1,184 civilian personnel positions by 30 June 2019 is being finalized. That total comprises 189 international, 935 national and 60 United Nations Volunteer positions. If approved by the budgetary board bodies, the proposed abolishment will be undertaken in three phases, with 385 positions to be abolished by 31 December, 89 by 31 March 2019 and 710 by the end of June 2019. Commensurate with troop and staff reductions, five teams are proposed for closure in October — three in November and two in December — and three sector headquarters — in Nyala, El Daein and El Geneina — by 30 June 2019. We continue to monitor the impact on the security and protection of civilians in areas from which UNAMID has withdrawn. So far, we have not witnessed any adverse impact. As required by the mission’s two-pronged approach to its operations, UNAMID and United Nations agencies, funds and programmes have engaged the Government of the Sudan in the finalization of the transition concept for areas outside the greater Jebel Marra area. It is based on holistic United Nations system collaboration through joint analysis, planning and delivery, with the aim of achieving stabilization in order to avoid a relapse into conflict. As Council members may recall, as described in the joint special report of the Secretary-General and AU Commission Chairperson, the concept envisages that common United Nations system state liaison offices will be established in the capitals of North Darfur, South Darfur, East Darfur and West Darfur. Accordingly, UNAMID and the United Nations country team have agreed on elements of a concept of State liaison functions that envisages the joint delivery of programmes to build on the efforts undertaken by UNAMID over the years. The State liaison functions concept provides a common understanding between UNAMID and the United Nations country team on the way ahead during the two-year transitional period. Our gathering today will also be considering realistic and achievable exit benchmarks, in accordance with the redefined priorities of UNAMID, for the protection of civilians; monitoring and reporting human rights and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance; mediation of intercommunal conflict and other local conflicts; as well as measures to address root causes and mediation between the Government of the Sudan and non-signatory movements. Council members will have noticed that details of these well-defined benchmarks and the progress made towards the achievement of the strategic priorities of UNAMID are provided in the report of the Secretary-General on UNAMID of 12 October. It is noteworthy that the new set of indicators for these proposed benchmarks reflect the positive changes in the security situation in Darfur in particular and the Sudan in general. The indicators are not only realistic and measurable time-wise, but they are also centred on the Government of the Sudan, as ultimately the Government is responsible for the provision of basic services to its citizenry in Darfur. I am pleased to report, as indicated in the reports of the Secretary-General in recent months, that the current situation in Darfur remains relatively calm and peaceful, with the exception of pockets in the Jebel Marra area where armed conflict between Government and rebel forces continue. In addition, a low level of intercommunal clashes has been reported. However, despite all this progress, UNAMID has recorded an increase in tensions between herders and farmers — mainly internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees — over land and resources. The Council may also take note that, for the first time, the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) also declared a three-month unilateral ceasefire from 20 September to 18 December to allow unhindered humanitarian access to areas affected by landslides in Jebel Marra. However, on 20 and 21 September, the Sudanese Armed Forces reportedly attacked SLA/AW positions in Saboon el Fag, Gur Lumbung, Kuilla and Amra, all located in the area north-east of the Kass team site in South Darfur. Three SLA/AW members were reportedly killed. Between 12 and 14 October, infighting broke out between two factions of SLA/AW in two villages located some two kilometres east and north-east of the Golo temporary operating base over differences relating to participation in the signing of a peace agreement with the Government of the Sudan. The infighting resulted in eight deaths and the situation in both villages remains tense. I wish to put on record that during the recent mudslide disaster in the Tagulei area of Jebel Marra, UNAMID and the United Nations country team joined forces to deliver humanitarian aid and received the cooperation of the Government of the Sudan and of the SLA/AW elements in the areas under their control. I must note, however, that despite the improved security situation there is continuing concern among IDPs regarding systematic attacks, assaults, farm destruction, harassment, land occupation issues and livestock theft. During this period, six intercommunal clashes over land and livestock theft, resulting in 18 fatalities, were reported. UNAMID continues to focus on early warning, preventive measures, capacity- building and efforts to address the root causes of the conflicts, in collaboration with Government authorities, the United Nations country team, community leaders and relevant institutions. Humanitarian partners continue to provide assistance to people in need across the five States of Darfur, despite limited resources. There were challenges in accessing some areas in Jebel Marra localities in South and Central Darfur due to ongoing armed clashes and the rains, which have rendered some roads impassable, resulting in civilian displacement and the destruction of homes and assets in West, South and Central Darfur. Details of the numbers of vulnerable people who received assistance, those who were displaced during the reporting period and those who were verified and registered are contained in the special report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations (S/2018/530). Human rights concerns will continue to be an important benchmark that the Government of the Sudan, UNAMID, the United Nations country team and the international community must seriously address. During the reporting period, there was a decrease in the number of new cases of human rights violations and abuses, with UNAMID documenting 134 new cases involving 304 victims, as compared to 169 cases involving 508 victims during the period from 16 February to 10 June. These violations were largely assaults, killings, criminal activities, abductions and sexual and gender-based violence, thereby creating a hostile environment in and around IDP camps. Our focus should be on building the capacity of the Government of the Sudan to deal squarely with these challenges and to discharge its primary responsibility to protect civilians and IDPs, provide security and address the lack of confidence in reporting cases to authorities and the lack of adequate law enforcement authorities, as well as the inability to provide basic social services. UNAMID continues to work with the Government of the Sudan in building capacity for members of the criminal justice chain to ensure the effective discharge of their duties. I wish to inform the Council that preparations are under way to start a constructive discussion with the Government of the Sudan on the need to establish a country office of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in the Sudan, as called for by resolution 2429 (2018). The implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur continues, albeit at a slow pace due to being undermined by capacity- and resource-related constraints. A board meeting of the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultation project was held in Khartoum on 13 August, at which it was decided to extend the project until 31 December. The meeting noted that funding and the ongoing UNAMID reconfiguration are major challenges to the process. On 23 September, I met with the Commissioners of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur Commissions in Khartoum and discussed the way forward towards the full implementation of the Doha Document. The Commissioners agreed that there was a need to explore other funding opportunities and ways of bringing more donors on board. That meeting was a follow-up to the recommendations of the 13th meeting of the Implementation Follow-up Commission, held on 11 July in Doha. In my capacity as Joint Chief Mediator, I have continued to engage with the Government of the Sudan and the non-signatory movements, the SLA-Minni Minawi and the Gibril Ibrahim faction of the Justice and Equality Movement in support of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to bridge their differences so that they can agree on and sign a prenegotiation framework that would facilitate the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement and the resumption of political negotiations based on the AUHIP road map. Engagements with the non-signatory movements is continuing. I continue to appeal to the movements and the Government to engage in earnest in the finalization of the negotiations. I shall continue, in collaboration with the AUHIP and the Government of Qatar, to exert pressure that, I hope, will lead to the successful conclusion of the road map. We have received extensive support from the German Government, the Berghof Foundation and the United States and British Governments. I recently briefed the African Union Peace and Security Council on 19 September and announced that all efforts to bring the leader of the Sudan Liberation Army, Abdul Wahid Nour, into the peace process have failed so far. I urge the Council to consider stern action against the SLA leader because, by all accounts, he prefers belligerence and armed struggle to the cessation of hostilities and a political process. It is highly unlikely that he will change that position any time soon. The Security Council may wish to consider what actions to take against the SLA leader.

I thank Mr. Mamabolo for his briefing today. I shall now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

We thank Joint Special Representative Mamabolo for his comprehensive briefing. We are pleased to note that the security situation in Darfur continues to improve. With intercommunal conflict remaining low and criminality decreasing, we commend the efforts of the Government, as well as the concerted engagement of State authorities, local leaders and security elements. That is a testament to the decision of the Security Council in laying down the conditions for African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) to exit the Sudan, based on the transition concept outlined in the special report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General on the UNAMID (S/2018/530). The situation in Darfur can no longer be characterized as an armed conflict between Government forces and non-State actors. The problem now is a lack of development, compounded by a protracted humanitarian crisis and human rights violations. The Government of the Sudan is making significant efforts to find durable solutions to alleviate the suffering of the people of Darfur. It is working to fill the void that could be created by the closure of UNMAID’s team sites, by putting in place institutions to provide for law enforcement and the rule of law. The weapons collection campaign, for example, has considerably mitigated intercommunal violence. However, it is clear that its efforts have been constrained by a lack of capacity and resources. The Government requires substantial assistance from the international community. So far that has hardly been forthcoming. It is in that context that we commended the decision of the Deputy Secretary-General and the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security to hold a high- level event , on the sidelines of the General Assembly’s general debate, on the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and development in Darfur. The meeting successfully underlined the critical need to fund the transition in Darfur and support the whole-of- system approach. We trust that the proposed pledging conference, providing donors with the opportunity to commit financial support, will be held soon. That is of particular importance. The impressive gains made in Darfur can be ensured only through sustained financing to the development efforts of the Government, as well as by appropriate funding arrangements to enable and enhance the work of the agencies and programmes of the United Nations country team. The international community has invested too much in Darfur, and it cannot risk failure due to a lack of resources. Investment in recovery and peacebuilding efforts in Darfur remains necessary to avert the possibility of a relapse into conflict, and that remains a prospect while significant progress in the security situation is not accompanied by progress in the political process. The Darfur rebel groups show no meaningful interest in ensuring peace in Darfur. They are amassing huge benefits from criminal activities in neighbouring States and have no real incentive to pursue peace. It is time, we believe, to make a paradigm shift in the approach to the political peace process in the Sudan and apply real pressure on those groups. They should not be allowed to benefit from their illegal activities in neighbouring States, using the Darfur peace process as a pretext. If they continue in their refusal to participate meaningfully in the peace process, the Council should treat them as transnational organized criminal groups, not as Darfur rebels. In that context, we commend the African Union Peace and Security Council for its decision to seriously consider taking appropriate action against those who continue to obstruct efforts towards lasting peace and security in Darfur. We urge the armed groups to join the peace process before the expiration of the set deadline. We sincerely hope that the Peace and Security Council will immediately institute strict measures against those groups that fail to heed its call for peace. The activities of Abdul Wahid and his groups in Jebel Marra are already taking a toll on civilians. The Peace and Security Council has called on Abdul Wahid to cease and desist from engaging in deadly clashes, which continue to cause unnecessary deaths and displace civilians. It has asked the Security Council and the international community at large to follow suit. Abdul Wahid has publicly admitted that he has no interest in any peace process. There can be no reason for the Security Council not to act against such openly belligerent behaviour. Mr. Wahid should face the consequences of his damaging and destructive role. We look forward to receiving the statement of the Panel of Experts on the Sudan and of possible options in that regard. We have no doubt that the overall improvements in the situation in Darfur, which have led to the significant drawdown of UNAMID and the plans for its eventual exit in 2020, also allows for major changes in the Sudan sanctions regime. The Security Council has already agreed to review the sanctions regime in the light of the positive developments that have occurred. We hope that action will be taken in that direction sooner than later, and we are ready to engage constructively in that, which, we believe, is particularly important both because of the significant improvement on the ground and because of the Government’s decisive role in dealing with peace and security. That has included fighting terrorism, combating human trafficking and illicit migration and facilitating humanitarian relief. The Sudan’s role in reaching a breakthrough in the South Sudan peace process has been enormous. The Government’s cooperation with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan and its Panel of Experts on the Sudan, as well as the wider United Nations system, has also remained consistent. The need to lift the arms embargo imposed against the Government of the Sudan is urgent. The main rationale for the imposition of the arms embargo no longer exists, and the Government of the Sudan needs to better secure and control its boundaries. Porous borders pose a real threat to regional peace and security. Border security requires effective military deployment, as well as the free movement of troops and military equipment. It is time to provide the Sudan with the means necessary to protect its borders and security.

At the outset, I would like to express my condolences to our brothers in the Republic of the Sudan following the death of former President Field Marshal Abdel Rahman Swar Al-Dahab. May God rest his soul in peace. I would also like to thank the Joint Special Representative for Darfur, Mr. Mamabolo, for his valuable briefing on the work of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). In our discursion today, I will address four topics: the security situation in Darfur, internally displaced persons, the UNAMID exit strategy, and its review and indicators. First, on the security situation, we take note of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/912), which highlights an improvement in the security situation across most areas in Darfur and a reduction in criminal acts. Undoubtedly, that is a positive sign that we should build upon in order to achieve full security and stability in Darfur. We underscore the need to support the efforts of the Sudanese Government to extend its sovereignty across all national territories and to shoulder its primary responsibility to protect civilians. We welcome the unity of the Council in adopting resolution 2429 (2018), which contributed to reducing the military component of UNAMID. That is evidence of the continued stability in Darfur and a reduced need for United Nations military forces in the region. Secondly, I would like to touch on internally displaced persons. The fight against rebel factions in Jebel Marra has had an impact on the displacement of some inhabitants of Darfur, as have flooding and heavy rainfall, according to the Secretary-General’s report. It is therefore important to recognize two things when discussing displaced persons and their numbers. Displacement is not due entirely to the deep-rooted causes of the conflict; Darfur has seen the return of displaced persons and a new wave of displacement. On the whole, when compared to the figures from last year and previous years, it can be said that the number of displaced persons continues to fall. According to the report, displaced persons are concerned by several factors, including the presence of armed groups in camps. That is why it is important to continue the weapons-collection campaign in the Sudan. Thirdly, on the exit strategy of UNAMID, resolution 2429 (2018) had a substantial impact in encouraging the Sudanese Government to further cooperate with all parties in order to complete the strategy by 2020. At the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Council held in Cairo in September, the League of Arab States welcomed the resolution, as well as the Sudan’s efforts in implementing the objectives of that resolution. We also take note of the annex and the proposed indicators in the Secretary-General’s report, which are in line with the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. We note that the Implementation Follow-Up Commission is continuing to work towards the implementation of the Doha Document. Fourthly, on the exit strategy and its indicators, as we stated at the Council’s meeting on UNAMID in March (see S/PV.8202), UNAMID’s mandate and the Secretary-General’s reports are related to Darfur. Therefore, the indicators should not be applied beyond Darfur to the entire Sudanese territory. As the Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the brotherly State of Qatar underscored in July, following the thirteenth meeting of the Implementation Follow- Up Commission — which included members of the Council — 85 per cent of the provisions of the Doha Document have been implemented. The indicators should therefore focus on the points that have not yet been implemented. The Sudan sorely needs the support of donors, which must honour their commitments. I commend the efforts of the joint mechanism between the Sudan and the League of Arab States pertaining to the follow-up and implemention of Arab development projects in Darfur. A donor conference should be organized to support the Sudan and help it to move from the peacekeeping phase to that of building peace. In conclusion, it is time for the Council to strengthen its support for the Sudan as it seeks to focus on political solutions to achieve peace in the country and neighbouring countries. The Sudan must be supported so that security and stability on its territories and in the wider region can be achieved.

As this is the first time that I am taking the floor since the Plurinational State of Bolivia assumed the presidency of the Council, allow me to sincerely congratulate you, Madam, on the dynamic activity and important programme of work of the Council throughout the month of October, particularly its visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to commend and express gratitude for the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/912) that was introduced to us by Mr. Jeremiah Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). His briefing fully illustrated the current situation in the Darfur region. The briefing that we have just heard highlights a relative improvement in the general security situation in Darfur, where there were no significant clashes between the Government forces and the armed groups during the period covered by the report, which is worthy of note. However, the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is concerned about the humanitarian situation in the region, which remains precarious. While we commend the Sudanese Government for providing an environment conducive to a continued improvement in the situation in Darfur, we urge it to keep working in that respect, as it did in deciding to unilaterally extend the ceasefire until 31 December. In that regard, Equatorial Guinea lends its full support to the Sudanese Government in seeking a definitive solution to bring irreversible peace to Darfur. In order to achieve that goal, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that in the current phase, the United Nations, the African Union, the international community and the donor countries should lend greater support to the Government of the Sudan and UNAMID so that they can together address the root causes of the crisis, which continue to cause isolated acts of violence over land disputes, such as intercommunal attacks, which require mediation and reconciliation efforts in order to prevent and put an end to those conflicts. The other aspect is the overriding need to support the Government of the Sudan in its weapons-collection campaign. The full implementation of that programme is necessary not only to improve the relative calm that prevails in Darfur, but also with a view to restoring definitive peace in the region, particularly since that important programme is now being carried out in the Jebel Marra area. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea urges the Government of the Sudan to ensure that, just as we have seen in the security situation, improvements also be achieved in the political situation through the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur to reach a total ceasefire. In that regard, support must be lent to the political process being carried out by the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. To that end and to show the Council how it can support efforts to break the deadlock in the negotiations between the Government and the rebel movements in Darfur with regard to the implementation of Doha Document for Peace, which was adopted in 2011, we believe that it is necessary to invite the Chair of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, former President Thabo Mbeki, to brief the Council about the efforts being undertaken to that end. The last time President Mbeki delivered a briefing to the Council was on the 12 January 2017, almost two years ago. My delegation warmly congratulates the Government of the Sudan, Joint Special Representative Mamabolo and all UNAMID personnel for the commendable work they are doing. We encourage them to continue in their intercommunal and governmental mediation efforts to improve the lives of the people of Darfur, so that the precarious and relative peace and tranquillity in the region at the moment become sustainable peace throughout the Darfur region. I conclude by expressing our resolute support for the recommendation made by Mr. Mamabolo for the Council to consider taking action against recalcitrant groups of rebels and armed groups that do not yield to reason and come to the negotiating table, by adopting sanctions as was done is the case of the leader Abdul Wahid.

We join others in expressing our deep appreciation to Joint Special Representative for Darfur Mamabolo for his comprehensive briefing on the quarterly report of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) (S/2018/912). Like previous speakers, we are encouraged by the continuing improvement in the security situation in Darfur, as well as the overall reduction in intercommunal clashes, criminal activities and human rights incidents. The ongoing arms-collection campaign and the deployment of Government security forces have contributed to improved security conditions and consolidated the Government’s authority in Darfur. Kazakhstan welcomes Khartoum’s commitment to enhance the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence and the delisting of Government forces from the annex to the Secretary-General’s annual report on children and armed conflict. We believe that Khartoum has demonstrated its political will to sustainably address the challenges in the region. We therefore support the need to review the sanctions regime as well. However, we are concerned by the insufficient progress in the peace process. My delegation underscores the need for a permanent ceasefire agreement to create an environment conducive to the resumption of peace talks and reinvigorate the outstanding provisions of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. We call on all parties in Darfur to meaningfully participate in an inclusive political process led by the African Union (AU) High-level Implementation Panel and supported by Joint Special Representative Mamabolo. Another issue of concern is the ongoing clashes in the Jebel Marra area, which have a negative impact on the humanitarian situation in Darfur. We believe that the Security Council should consider appropriate measures to increase the pressure on those who refuse to cease hostilities and continue to obstruct efforts towards lasting peace. Other areas that need attention include food insecurity in Darfur and the large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) with insufficient access to basic economic and social services. There is certainly a need for a paradigm shift in our approach by transitioning to peacebuilding efforts. All measures should be taken to address the root causes of the conflict, including the provision of basic services in remote areas and finding durable solutions for IDPs by implementing the UNAMID-United Nations country team’s integrated strategic framework for Darfur for the period from 2017 to 2019. The success of our actions will require better coordination among all United Nations entities, as well as greater and sustainable financial support to the Government of the Sudan by the United Nations system and donors. In turn, the Government’s continued cooperation with the United Nations and the AU and increased efforts on its part to improve the effectiveness of land management, provide access to basic services and ensure the right of return and property restitution, as well as increase the presence of police and the rule of law, are also crucial. Genuinely including women in decision-making and providing education for children and employment for youth are also important for enduring stability. With regard to implementing UNAMID’s reconfiguration, we welcome the finalization of a new mission concept aimed at preventing a relapse and preparing for the mission’s exit in 2020. We therefore look forward to the conclusion of integrated planning to implement the envisaged reconfiguration. We once again underscore that the success of that concept will require greater investment by the United Nations system, while delivering as one United Nations. We therefore note the importance of a resource mobilization strategy that ensures long-term financial support for sustaining peace in Darfur. Finally, we thank Joint Special Representative Mamabolo, UNAMID personnel, Special Envoy Haysom, the AU High-level Implementation Panel and others for their tireless efforts towards achieving peace and stability in Darfur.

Côte D’Ivoire would like to thank the Bolivian presidency for organizing this Security Council briefing to review the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/912) on the evolving situation in Darfur and the implementation of the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). We also thank Mr. Jeremiah Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of UNAMID, for the quality of his briefing. Having read the report, my delegation has some observations concerning the political and security situation, humanitarian and human rights issues and UNAMID operational environment. With regard to the political and security situation, my delegation commends the progressive stability in the region of Darfur. However, we remain concerned about the impasse facing the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, which is the cornerstone of the peace process. Côte D’Ivoire is convinced that there is no alternative to a political settlement to the crisis in Darfur. We therefore expresses our firm support for the political process to resolve the current crisis. We call upon all stakeholders, including the non-signatory movements, to persevere in constructive dialogue to definitively achieve the peace that the peoples of Darfur have aspired to for so many years. My country also calls upon the Sudanese authorities to work towards developing consensus-based norms that guarantee the transparency and credibility of the elections planned for 2020. On the security front, my delegation commends the efforts undertaken by the Sudanese authorities to reduce the level of violence and ensure security in Darfur. However, we are worried by the sporadic clashes in the Jebel Marra region, the intercommunal conflicts, the growing tensions between herders and farmers and militia attacks against civilians. We therefore call upon the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities. My delegation also calls on development partners to provide multifaceted support to the Sudanese authorities in the pursuit of solutions to the root causes of the conflict. With regard to the humanitarian and human rights situation, my delegation notes with concern the ongoing food insecurity, which is exacerbated by the economic crisis and climate hazards, as well as violent clashes that have led to the destruction of houses and the mass exodus of the civilian population. Moreover, the climate of insecurity and heavy rains in some parts of Jebel Marra have made it difficult to access areas where there are substantial humanitarian needs. My delegation is also worried by attacks against civilians, including sexual violence in Darfur. Côte d’Ivoire invites the international community to redouble its efforts to provide appropriate responses to the deteriorating humanitarian situation and human rights violations. In that respect, my country asks that total access to all conflict-affected parts of Darfur be granted to United Nations agencies. We also invite stakeholders to work, in close collaboration with United Nations entities and humanitarian actors, to provide appropriate assistance to distressed populations. My country encourages the Sudanese Government, in collaboration with all actors, to create the conditions for the return of displaced persons and refugees in safety and with dignity and for their resettlement and reintegration. To that end, Côte d’Ivoire urges the international community to support the Sudanese authorities through a substantial contribution to financing the 2018 humanitarian response plan for the Sudan. Concerning the operating environment for UNAMID, Côte d’Ivoire congratulates UNAMID on the work that is has done in often difficult conditions, which is characterized by a surge in acts of violence against its personnel. The presence of UNAMID in Darfur is needed for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, as well as for peacebuilding and development in the Sudan. It is therefore essential that the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur be able to operate in an appropriate environment. In conclusion, Côte d’Ivoire calls on the international community to provide the financial and technical assistance necessary for the establishment of strong institutions that are able to overcome the challenges related to establishing the rule of law, justice and security in Darfur.

We wish to thank the Bolivian presidency for convening this meeting and Mr. Jeremiah Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), for his important briefing. Peru appreciates the recent improvement in security in Darfur and hopes that it can be extended across the whole territory, including the Jebel Marra area, where clashes are still arising between Government forces and the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid. We also underscore the need to put an end to intercommunal conflicts and clashes over land and natural resources, which discourage the return of internally displaced persons to their places of origin. We reiterate that only a political agreement will allow the establishment of sustainable peace and, in that regard, we regret the fact that, despite the negotiations under way and the efforts of the African Union High- level Implementation Panel, there is still no agreement with the non-signatory armed groups of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. We deem it necessary that the African Union Peace and Security Council must adopt strict measures against groups that do not join the peace process by December, as laid out in their communiqué 19 September. That topic should also be considered by the Council, as Mr. Mamabolo indicated. We trust that the new UNAMID mandate and close cooperation with the United Nations country team will allow the root causes of the conflict to be addressed more effectively, among other important factors, thereby contributing to the development of the institutional environment required to peacefully settle land ownership disputes. We highlight the need for the donor community to contribute during the transition period in the long-term perspective required for sustaining peace. That also requires the promotion of an institutional capacity to protect and promote human rights, guarantee the rule of law and combat impunity for serious human rights violations reported in Darfur, to which women, children and displaced persons are particularly vulnerable. We must reiterate our condemnation of any form of sexual violence by expressing our concern about and deep sympathy for the violations suffered by 80 minors over recent months, and stressing that their medical and psychological care must be a priority. We underscore the importance of the cooperation framework with the United Nations announced by the Government to counter human rights violations and in particular sexual violence linked to conflict. In that regard, we highlight the importance of the recent sentencing of a member of the Sudanese Armed Forces to 20 years’ imprisonment for the rape of a minor. We also highlight the progress made by the Government in preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Furthermore, we recognize the improvements made to access for humanitarian assistance, and in particular the decision of the Government to allow assistance in the rebel-held areas in Blue Nile and South Kordofan. Before I conclude, we would like to express our support for the benchmarks and indicators for the exit of UNAMID proposed by the Secretary-General, and stress the need to continue supporting Darfur during the transition period. UNAMID will require funds and personnel in order to build sustainable peace. We believe that a decrease in peacekeeping costs should allow for more investment in sustainable development. In that regard, we welcome the efforts of the African Union and the United Nations to attract potential donors, as well as the creation of a group of friends of the transition. We express our support also for the recommendation that the joint strategic review of UNAMID to be presented in May 2019 also include an assessment of the implementation of the indicators of progress that I mentioned.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. We thank Joint Special Representative Mr. Jeremiah Mamabolo for his briefing and take this opportunity to commend the work he is doing together with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). First, we welcome the report of continued stability in Darfur, and the fact that the security situation continued to improve during the reporting period, as well as the decrease in clashes among communities. We therefore commend the great efforts being made by the Government of the Sudan to that end. We highlight the decision of both the Government and the armed groups, including that led by Adbul Wahid, to unilaterally extend the ceasefire in the areas of operations until the end of this year, and we hope that this will be an important step towards achieving a permanent ceasefire. Similarly, we believe that this scenario allows us to focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict and to move towards building sustainable peace. To that end, we need to strengthen the rule of law in Darfur, promote institutional capacity and the rule of law, and secure funding for activities that contribute to recovery and development in the area. With regard to the proposed benchmarks, we underscore the way in which the Secretariat has worked on them. It is important that they be agreed with the Government, taking into account the provisions of resolution 2429 (2018) with regard to UNAMID’s exit by 2020. My country agrees that we must comply with certain parameters for the Mission’s exit, but those must have realistic deadlines. We also emphasize that it is essential to have adequate funding to support the Government’s efforts, and we therefore call for international cooperation to that end. With regard to the political situation, we welcome the communiqué of the African Union Peace and Security Council of 19 September, in which it announced its decision to consider taking measures against those who obstruct the negotiations and called on those actors to join the peace process by December, at the latest. We encourage the Security Council to support the communiqué and to take decisions along the same lines. We recognize the efforts of the Government, the members of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel and UNAMID to promote the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. We also stress the need to redouble our efforts to resolve the remaining differences on the Doha Document for Peace. We call on the non-signatory movements to participate constructively in the dialogue with the Government so as to bring about a definitive cessation of hostilities. We emphasize that the only possible solution to the situation in Darfur is a political process that addresses the root causes of the conflict, primarily the disputes over natural resources and land ownership. We welcome the work of United Nations programmes and entities to review the progress made on issues related to land ownership, as it is key to resolving disputes among internally displaced persons and enabling their safe, dignified and voluntary return to their places of origin. The humanitarian situation remains one of the most important challenges. The living conditions faced by internally displaced persons are a matter of great concern. We must therefore ensure unhindered access to UNAMID and humanitarian workers in order to meet local needs. Mine action, in particular the removal of explosive remnants of war, is critical to guaranteeing the safe return of internally displaced persons and the mission’s secure operation. In conclusion, we reiterate the need to create financing mechanisms to prevent the resurgence of the conflict. The support and cooperation of the international community will be fundamental to promoting sustainable development in Darfur, building the capacity of the United Nations country team and ensuring the successful withdrawal of UNAMID. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Sudan.

At the outset, I want to express my sorrow over the passing away of the former President of the Republic of Sudan, Field Marshal Abdulrahman Suwar Al-Dahab, on 19 October. I would also like to thank you, Madam President, the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the report they jointly presented to the Security Council (S/2018/530). I thank, as well, His Excellency Ambassador Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the African Union, for his briefing via video-teleconference and for his tireless efforts. Finally, I thank all Council members who have spoken in this meeting. We will definitely take their comments into account. Since the adoption of resolution 2429 (2018), in July, the situation in Darfur has been stable to a great extent, as reflected in the report (S/2018/912) before the Council. The Sudanese Government has made considerable efforts to achieve and sustain security and stability, in conjunction with the reduction of the forces of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and its reconfiguration through the deployment of additional Sudanese police and security troops, as well as through the establishment of additional courts in districts, states and administrative units in Darfur, where 13 additional courts were established. The Government has also set up courts in Zalingei, Amri Saleh and Gulu. Courts that specialize in family and children, public funds, consumer protection, counter-terrorism, cybercrime and drug crime have also been set up in Darfur. Those efforts have reassured the people of Darfur and made them feel more secure. The establishment of additional courts strengthens justice, policing and the rule of law. We hope that the Council and its members will take note of those positive measures. To prevent impunity, the Office of the Public Prosecutor examined 184 cases of violations from 1 January to 30 September. Of those, 102 were referred to court and many have already been adjudicated, while work is still ongoing regarding the remaining cases. Those efforts led to an increase in the rates of voluntary return. More than 385,000 previously displaced people were able to return. The Government and peace partners are working on ensuring the necessary conditions for voluntary return. In the two resolutions adopted in June 2017 and July 2018 (resolutions 2363 (2017) and 2429 (2018)), the Council acknowledged that the situation has gone back to normal. It decided that it was time to move from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and that the transitional phase should be the responsibility of three parties, first, the Sudanese Government; secondly, the United Nations and the African Union, to complete the administrative and logistical process related to the exit of the mission; and, thirdly, the United Nations country team specifically and the international community generally. In adopting both resolutions, the Council has practically attained the main benchmark in paragraph 24 of resolution 1769 (2007), which established UNAMID, namely, to achieve significant improvement in the situation in Darfur. The Council may recall that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations decided that until the adoption of resolution 2363 (2017), in June, the benchmarks that were consistently highlighted and included in the report of the Secretary-General specified significant improvement. That is the correct approach, which led to the adoption of resolution 2363 (2017), followed by resolution 2429 (2018). That is why we call for the adoption of the same approach for the 2018-2020 time period. The implementation of the exit strategy must not therefore be subjected to the details of the benchmarks, but rather the benchmarks should be subjected to significant improvement. At this juncture, we would like to thank all Council members who positively engaged with our proposals in the paper that we circulated to them two weeks ago. We thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for giving the Sudanese Mission more than one opportunity to clarify its view. We refer to the statements made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Head of the Sudanese Mission for the current session of the General Assembly in his meetings with the Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-Generals at the high-level event on 28 September. He focused on the importance of the ongoing peacebuilding process, which is a responsibility shared by the three parties I mentioned, to achieve full and lasting peace. We underscore that the Sudan will continue its initiatives, which were commended by the Security Council in its consecutive resolutions since 2014, and which were also commended by the Human Rights Council in its latest resolution on the Sudan, adopted in September. The Council might also agree with us that the latest report of the Secretary-General on UNAMID and the peace process in Darfur relies primarily on the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. It also relies on the implementation of that Document to measure progress achieved in Darfur. We strongly support that approach, and have said so repeatedly to the Council, especially during a period that can be described as somewhat uncertain. Since we have agreed on the centrality and the importance of the Doha Document, we call upon the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations to attach equal importance to the Implementation Follow-up Commission, which is composed of the permanent members of the Council, neighbouring countries of the Sudan, donor countries and partners in peace, in addition to the State of Qatar and signatory parties. The reports of that Commission issued since its establishment, in 2011, should be a point of reference for the Under-Secretary-General and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in their reports to the Security Council and the Secretary-General. In the upcoming period we will be consulting with Council members, the Secretariat and the Under-Secretary-General to present concrete proposals in order to operationalize the Doha Document and its mechanisms. The great, continuous improvement we have seen in the security and humanitarian situation in all states of Darfur since 2015 made it incumbent upon the Sudanese Government, with the support of the international community, to move Darfur from the phase of conflict to the phase of building, reconstruction and achieving the desired developmental renaissance to solidify stability. That is why the Sudanese Government participated actively in the high-level meeting that was held on the margins of the General Assembly to discuss the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding in Darfur. We look forward to the implementation of the recommendation that was adopted at that meeting, namely, holding a donor conference to fund the transitional phase and support development projects that are the basis for sustainable peace and stability in Darfur. In that regard, we support what the Permanent Representative of Ethiopia said as well as the statements made by the Representative of Kuwait and others: filling the gaps in Darfur will only be achieved if the pledges are fulfilled. Council members raised an important point, that is, Abdul Wahid is ignoring and disregarding all Security Council resolutions. Abdul Wahid’s disregard of Council resolutions and Council members shows contempt for the international legitimacy embodied by the Council. No concrete and decisive measures have been taken against him. If they had been, he and his brother — who killed five from the rebel forces recently — would not have been able to commit such heinous crimes. We commend the statement made by Joint Special Representative Mamabolo and the statements made by the representatives of Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait and Kazakhstan. We cannot forget that this pressure would be exercised on a person that controls enclaves in the mountainous area, that is a tiny piece of land — just 5 per cent of the Jebel Marra area, which constitutes 5 per cent to 6 per cent of the area of Darfur. In conclusion, the prosperity, safety and security of the Sudanese people are a sacred duty for the Sudanese Government. That duty is complemented by the efforts of the Sudanese Government to achieve sustainable peace in the region, starting with neighbouring countries. That is precisely what the Sudanese Government is currently doing, and what the Council is witnessing. We will spare no effort to achieve those goals.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.