Former Sudan PM Hamdok meets Macron in Paris

REGARDING the absence of the Sudanese government from the Paris conference, President Macron stated during a meeting with Sudanese civil society representatives that the government had lost its legitimacy due to the 2021 coup against civilians. 

In the previous week, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “its utmost astonishment and condemnation” of the conference, convened by France, Norway, the United Kingdom, the USA, and the European Union, denouncing “that such a conference is convened on a matter concerning Sudan without consultation or coordination with its government and without its participation…” Read more.

From Radio Dabanga English - www.dabangasudan.org
Dated Wednesday, 17 April 2024 PARIS / OTTAWA - here is a copy in full:

Former Sudan PM Hamdok meets Macron in Paris

Former Prime Minister of Sudan, Abdallah Hamdok (File photo: SUNA)

Former Prime Minister of Sudan and current chair of the Civil Democratic Forces (Tagaddum), Abdalla Hamdok, engaged in discussions on the war in Sudan with French President Emmanuel Macron during a closed session in Paris yesterday.

Following his visit to the French capital, Hamdok expressed gratitude to President Macron for France’s unwavering support of the Sudanese people’s aspirations and their stance in backing Sudan’s December revolution and the transitional civilian government. 

He commended the success of the Paris conference, which drew global attention to Sudan’s plight, raising €2 billion in pledged support from France, Germany, and the European Union for humanitarian aid.

Underscoring the significance of building on the achievements of the Paris conference, the Tagaddum head urged continued international efforts towards silencing the guns of war.

President Macron, in turn, welcomed Hamdok’s participation in the conference activities and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Sudanese efforts for peace, freedom, and justice.

The former Sudanese leader also held discussions with Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the sidelines of the humanitarian conference in Paris.

Earlier this week, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced sanctions against two individuals and four entities affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for undermining peace, security, and stability in Sudan.

Regarding the absence of the Sudanese government from the Paris conference, President Macron stated during a meeting with Sudanese civil society representatives that the government had lost its legitimacy due to the 2021 coup against civilians.

Last week, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “its utmost astonishment and condemnation” of the conference, convened by France, Norway, the United Kingdom, the USA, and the European Union, denouncing “that such a conference is convened on a matter concerning Sudan without consultation or coordination with its government and without its participation…”

Hamdok reiterated that a military solution to the conflict was untenable and advocated for a negotiated peace process driven by Sudanese initiatives. 

He called for unity among Sudanese factions to streamline peace efforts and avoid fragmentation.

View original: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/former-sudan-pm-hamdok-meets-macron-in-paris

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Joint Troika Statement on the Attack in Abyei Region

From Norway in South Sudan

Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba

Dated Wednesday, 03 January 2024 | Juba - here is a full copy:

Joint Troika Statement on the Attack in Abyei Region, December 31, 2023

The Embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States condemn the latest attack in the Abyei Administrative Area in which Deputy Administrator Noon Deng Nyok and several of his colleagues were killed on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

The use of violence as a tool for political or economic competition perpetuates a dangerous cycle and must be universally rejected by all South Sudanese leaders. This attack and all other incidents of violence should be investigated, and perpetrators held accountable.

###

View original: https://www.norway.no/en/south-sudan/norway/news-events/joint-troika-statement-on-the-attack-in-abyei-region-december-31-2023/

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Related

Sudan Watch - January 03, 2024

Sudan & S. Sudan: Fiji's Merelea Dileba Drotini will be the second female going for the UNISFA in Abyei

Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew congratulated ASP Drotini for her appointment and reminded her of the image of the Fiji Police Force.

Full story: https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/sudan-s-sudan-fijis-merelea-dileba.html

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Sudan Watch - January 02, 2024

Sudan & South Sudan: Six killed in disputed Abyei. MP calls for UNISFA to protect Abyei people in Abyei Box

“We are saying that the issue of Abyei and Twic is taking a different turn, it is like there are invisible hands behind the issue of land. We call on the South Sudan Government to swiftly form an investigation committee to probe the killing of the deputy administrator and the former minister,” Tabitha said. She further called on the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to protect the people of Abyei within the Abyei Box.

Full story: https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/sudan-south-sudan-six-killed-in.html

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United Nations UNISFA Press Release - December 31, 2023

UNITED NATIONS INTERIM SECURITY FORCE FOR ABYEI CONDEMNS KILLING OF DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR

Abyei - 31 December 2023 - The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) strongly condemns the killing of Hon. Noon Deng Nyok, the Deputy Chief Administrator of Abyei, along with five other people during an ambush by an armed group at Wunpeth, near Agok. 

The Deputy Chief Administrator was known for his dedication to community service and commitment to fostering unity and peace. UNISFA extends its deepest condolences to his colleagues, including the Chief Administrator and members of Abyei Administration, as well as his family, friends and the wider community who are deeply affected by this tragic loss.  

This act of appalling and senseless violence risks the gains that have been made towards resolving the difficult situation in Southern Abyei. It is also stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in securing and maintaining peace across the Abyei region.

UNISFA calls on all parties to exercise restraint and collaborate in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice. The mission reaffirms its commitment to supporting local authorities in their efforts to promote reconciliation, stability, and the rule of law.

As the Abyei community comes to terms with this loss, UNISFA calls for a renewed focus and commitment to the pursuit of sustainable peace in Abyei. In this regard, the mission will continue all efforts to deliver on its mandate to help create a secure and stable environment where all people can enjoy peace and prosperity.

View original: https://unisfa.unmissions.org/united-nations-interim-security-force-abyei-condemns-killing-deputy-chief-administrator

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ENDS

Sudan: Sennar, where thousands of people fleeing Wad Madani have arrived, is a panicked city says NRC

#Sudan: @AhmedOmer, Communications Coordinator in Sudan describes the current situation in Sennar, where thousands of people fleeing Wad Madani have arrived. pic.twitter.com/yq2oftVm7G

— NRC East Africa and Yemen (@NRC_EAY) December 19, 2023

Transcript of sub-titles taken from the above audio clip:

Ahmed Omer’s voice 

Communications Coordinator at NRC [Norwegian Refugee Council] in Sudan 

"They are hungry, they are panicked, they are ill and the situation in the city is getting difficult. There is no fuel in the city even for the cars. That is why the transportation fees is increasing. There is no fuel. Even in the black market it is difficult to find and when you find it is more than 50,000 SDG per a gallon of petrol.

People here in Sennar, are trying to get in vehicles, whatever vehicle you find, you just jump on to it, particularly trucks, the pickup trucks and the bigger trucks. They jump on it. I saw this on the streets. They just jump. But for the families, for women and children, it’s really difficult. So they are trying to hire buses or to take buses. And buses are limited here. 

So what I’m seeing here right now in front of me are people on the streets, in the streets just carrying their luggages and walking, just people walking. It reminds me of Khartoum and what happened there when we saw people walking. When we saw the pictures of people walking, taking the luggages with them. So it’s a panicked city".

END

Sudan: Statement by Will Carter, country director of NRC in Sudan, on ongoing attack in Al Jazirah State

THE following post by NRC published today (Sun 17 Dec) at X was reposted at X by Jan Egeland @NRC_Egeland Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) @NRC_Norway @Flyktninghjelp. The post says: 

"Wad Madani has been a place of refuge for those displaced from Khartoum, including for humanitarian and medical evacuation efforts. Now the fighting is approaching, and heavy artillery and gunfire have been heard for three days. “A continuous flow of people, many of them who already ran for their lives just a few months ago, are now rushing towards already fragile neighbouring states. -Will Carter, Country Director, Norwegian Refugee Council in Sudan NRC” -Norwegian Refugee Council (@NRC_Norway) December 17, 2023"

The post attaches another post by NRC published today at X, it says:

"We are deeply concerned about the escalating conflict at the doors of Wad Madani in #Sudan, where 700,000 people live, including many who have sought refuge after fleeing Khartoum. Statement by @WillCarter_NRC"

Wad Madani has been a place of refuge for those displaced from Khartoum, including for humanitarian and medical evacuation efforts. Now the fighting is approaching, and heavy artillery and gunfire have been heard for three days. https://t.co/GFp9nxrXH2 pic.twitter.com/cTvbPqPlbs

— Norwegian Refugee Council (@NRC_Norway) December 17, 2023

Note, the post provides a link to a statement by Will Carter, country director of NRC in Sudan. The statement is copied in full here below.

Also, a post by @WillCarter_NRC today at X, says: 

"Civilians who fled Khartoum’s urban war zone are displaced again—it’s terrifying & traumatising. We’re doing our best to quickly respond to emergency needs: mobilised teams + sent remaining supplies to Sennar & Gedaref; supporting local responders expand the collective shelters. 11:36 AM · Dec 17, 2023"

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Statement from the website of Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

Published Sunday, 17 Dec 2023 - here is a copy in full:

Statement on ongoing attack in Al Jazirah State, Sudan 

Statement by William Carter, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s country director of NRC in Sudan on ongoing attack in Al Jazirah State. 

“The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is deeply concerned about the escalating conflict at the doors of Wad Madani, the densely populated capital state of Al Jazirah, Sudan, where 700,000 people live, including 84,000 people who have sought refuge after fleeing Khartoum.  

“Wad Madani has been a place of refuge for those displaced from Khartoum, including for humanitarian and medical evacuation efforts. Now the fighting is approaching, and heavy artillery and gunfire have been heard for three days.  

“A continuous flow of people, many of them who already ran for their lives just a few months ago, are now rushing towards already heavily burdened and resource-depleted cities in neighbouring states. We are also extremely worried for highly vulnerable families in Wad Madani who have been crammed into displacement sites in schools for months and have nowhere to hide from violence, no means to escape and nowhere else to flee.  

"This is more than another city being attacked, it is one of Sudan’s few remaining sanctuaries that could be under fire.  

“We urgently call on all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law, emphasizing that all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid and minimize the loss of civilian life and injuries, as well as damage to civilian objects. We also demand that all parties allow for the safe passage of individuals fleeing the conflict and the urgent delivery of lifesaving assistance.”    

Note to editors:  

 

* There are more than half a million people displaced within in Al Jazirah, including 145,000 people who are crammed in public buildings, such as schools.  

* At the time of writing, an estimated 15,000 people are now fleeing the city towards neighbouring states.  * About 1.9 million people are in crisis (IPC 3) and above levels of food insecurity in Al Jazirah state, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).   

* NRC is present in Wad Madani since June 2023, and supported more than 34,000 people in the city since the war.    

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:  

 

* NRC Sudan Advocacy Manager (currently in Nairobi), Mathilde Vu: mathilde.vu@nrc.no, WhatsApp +249 911 219 775  

* NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329  

Label: Sudan 

View original: https://www.nrc.no/news/2023/december/statement-on-ongoing-attack-in-al-jazirah-state-sudan/ 

END

Sudan: Majority of humanitarian NGO have *not* been issued new sudan visas since conflict began

"The denial of humanitarian assistance as a crime under international law"

A TWEET by William Carter @WillCarter_NRC
Father. Country Director #Sudan @NRC_Norway
Dated Sunday 18 June 2023; 2:50 pm - full copy:

majority of #humanitarian ngo have *not* been issued new #sudan visas in the two months since the #conflict began

about 100 visa applications are still pending from over 30 orgs

we've had a team of 20 on standby for over a month - we could've helped 200k #displaced people by now.  instead its far less, and will take longer - time which nobody can afford

its clear that humanitarian #access is impeded but unclear if its indecision or intention.  its not a capacity bottleneck - visas are issued for non-humanitarian efforts

regardless, ministries and federal authorities can and should easily unblock this

these unnecessary delays have huge, real-life consequence for the humanitarian response, for delivering #aid and services to millions who are suffering

un ga resolution 46/182 outlines that 'states whose populations are in need of humanitarian assistance are called upon to facilitate the work of these organisations in implementing humanitarian assistance' (para. 6), and that the un has a 'central and unique role to play' to 'ensure the prompt and smooth delivery of relief assistance' (para. 13) -- so the un in all its councils, assemblies, members, and agencies all need to fulfil their role too

this hasn't happened yet

i often reflect on this icrc article, which argues that the denial of humanitarian assistance is a crime under international law (https://icrc.org/en/doc/resources/documents/article/other/57jq32.htm…), and wonder why global, continental, and regional powers so easily tolerate such arbitrary impediments from the icrc's commentary of the geneva conventions, which form the core of international humanitarian #law and regulate the conduct of armed conflict, they outline that its not really up to the discretion of warring parties: 

"if the survival of the population is threatened and a humanitarian organization fulfilling the required conditions of impartiality and non-discrimination is able to remedy this situation, relief actions must take place (...) [a] refusal would be equivalent to a violation of the rule prohibiting the use of starvation as a method of combat"

there are positive signs of support and permission with many state-level authorities, embassy consular staff, and even the federal-level humanitarian aid commission is supportive of ngo visa issuance, but:

-not all high-level decision-makers are facilitating

-few stakeholders are confronting/resolving this

-ngos are operating, but quickly scaling is v difficult

-all sudanese civilians are suffering for it

View original: 

https://twitter.com/WillCarter_NRC/status/1670428651299405825

[Ends]

STATEMENT: The Friends of Sudan Group reiterate steadfast support for UNITAMS and SRSG Perthes

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: The Friends of Sudan Group includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union.

In the Group's June 7th statement copied here below, it reiterates its steadfast support for the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative (SRSG) to Sudan and Head of UNITAMS Dr Volker Perthes and their tireless work to assist the Sudanese people in their aspirations for a civilian transition, freedom, peace and justice. 

Incidentally, the 23 members of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) in Sudan are: Canada, Sweden, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Brazil, EU Delegation, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, US, UK, and Qatar, as well as UNAMID and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNICEF as the Secretariat.

Source: Office of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/2018/05/group-of-friends-of-children-and-armed-conflict-caac-in-sudan/

__________________________________________

Published at Government Offices of Sweden website

Dated 07 June 2023 - full copy:

Friends of Sudan Group Statement

France, Germany, Norway, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union, as members of the Friends of Sudan, express their deep concern about the ongoing violence and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, including reports about violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, as well as about widespread looting of humanitarian supplies.

We strongly urge the warring parties to stop the fighting and attacks on civilians, and agree to an effective and sustained ceasefire, to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access and respect for international humanitarian law, and to work towards a return to the political process. We urgently call on the warring parties to adhere to their commitments agreed in the 11 May Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan and in the ceasefire of 20 May, and to return to the Jeddah dialogue to resolve issues around violations and reach a ceasefire that is respected fully. Humanitarian supplies and workers must be protected to ensure that assistance can reach people in need.

We support all international and regional efforts that work towards a cessation of hostilities and a resolution of this conflict. In this context, we would like to reiterate our steadfast support for the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Volker Perthes and their tireless work to assist the Sudanese people in their aspirations for a civilian transition, freedom, peace and justice.

We call on the conflict parties to heed to calls of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace and justice by resolving their differences peacefully leading to the restoration of the political dialogue.

View original: https://www.government.se/statements/2023/06/friends-of-sudan-group-statement/

[Ends]

________________________________

Report at SudanTribune.com

Dated Monday 12 June 2023 - full copy:

Friends of Sudan express support for UN special envoy

Friends of Sudan meets in Riyadh, on January 18, 2022 SPA

June 12, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Friends of Sudan group has voiced its unwavering support for Volker Perthes, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy and head of UNITAMS, while strongly denouncing the decision by the Sudanese government to declare him persona non grata.

The military-led government in Sudan made this declaration on June 8, shortly after the renewal of UNITAMS’ mandate for six months, disregarding its demand to replace him.

In a statement released on Monday, Dennis Kumetat, the Spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry for the Middle East and North Africa, representing his country and the Friends of Sudan, unequivocally condemned the Sudanese government’s action against the German diplomat.

“Since the outbreak of hostilities, the UN Special Envoy has been working tirelessly and energetically to campaign for ceasefires, protection of civilians, and humanitarian access to assist the affected local populations. We have full confidence in his ability to continue this crucial work,” Kumetat further stressed.

Perthes will continue to work on Sudan from Nairobi, where he has opened an office.

The statement follows a letter sent on June 9 by Sudan to the African Union, Ethiopia, and various UN specialized agencies, requesting that they refrain from engaging with Perthes. It should be noted that Sudan’s membership in the regional body has been suspended since the coup on October 25, 2021.

Additionally, France and the United States issued separate statements, offering their support to Perthes and condemning the decision of the military-led government in Khartoum.

The US State Department stated on May 27, “SRSG Perthes continues to have our confidence in implementing the UNITAMS mandate and in supporting the Sudanese people to achieve a peaceful and democratic future.”

Similarly, the French foreign ministry stated on June 9, “We commend the continued commitment and tireless work of Mr Volker Perthes and all UNITAMS teams to consolidate peace and support Sudan’s democratic transition, and more recently, to secure a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors.”

The Friends of Sudan group, established by the United States to support Sudan’s democratic transition, includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union.

View original: https://sudantribune.com/article274419/

[Ends]

Troika & EU support AU Resolution on Sudan conflict

THE only hope now for people of Sudan and South Sudan to live in peace and flourish is that all Africans, Arabs and their friends across the world join hands in friendship to give peace a chance. A tall order but not impossible.

This report says the international community has reaffirmed its support for the African Union's Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan.

Report at The Star - the-star.co.ke

By SHARON MWENDE 

Dated Monday 29 May 2023; 17:17 - full copy:

ROADMAP

Troika, European Union support AU's resolution on Sudan conflict

They also agreed with the condemnation of the ongoing crisis of the two warring parties

In Summary

During the meeting, the AU adopted a Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict which includes silencing guns in Sudan.

It called on Sudanese stakeholders and the international community to support the implementation of the Roadmap.

EU flag .Image: FILE

The International Community has reaffirmed its support for the African Union's Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan.

In a statement released by the US Department of State on Monday [May 29], Spokesperson Matthew Miller welcomed the decision to ensure coordinated action in the peace process. 

The community includes Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union (the Troika plus EU).

"The Troika plus EU reaffirms its support for African leadership and the AU's Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, and welcomes the AU’s work to establish an Expanded Mechanism and its Core Group to ensure inclusively and coordinated regional and international action to secure a viable peace process, and the resumption of the transition to civilian government and democracy in Sudan," it said.

The statement comes after the AU held a Heads of State and government Peace and Security Council meeting on the situation in Sudan on Saturday, May 27.

During the meeting, the AU adopted a Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict which includes silencing guns in Sudan.

It called on Sudanese stakeholders and the international community to support the implementation of the Roadmap.

The leaders reaffirmed six elements which are outlined in the Roadmap including the establishment of a coordination mechanism to ensure all efforts by the regional and global actors are harmonised and impactful,  an immediate, permanent, inclusive and comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

Others are effective humanitarian response, protection of civilians and civil infrastructure, strategic role of neighboring states and the region and resumption of a credible and inclusive political transition process, that takes into account the contributory role of all Sudanese political and social actors, as well as the signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, towards a democratic civilian-led government.

The Expanded Mechanism on Sudan and its Core Group is an all-inclusive platform of regional, continental and global actors and institutions.

It aims to provide broad-based and coordinated engagement within the international community, to foster political consensus and common global support for Sudan.

The Core Group stresses the need for the AU to continue to effectively coordinate the activities of the Expanded Mechanism on the conflict in Sudan.

Further, the leaders condemned the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, terming it as "senseless" and "unjustified."

AU chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat demanded an immediate ceasefire without preconditions. 

He said this was going to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Sudanese in dire need.

He urged the international community to extend humanitarian aid to the persons fleeing the war in Sudan.

Troika and EU further welcomed the chairperson's demand for conflict cessation.

"We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the two warring parties and the suffering they have caused the people of Sudan," Miller said.

The ongoing conflict has led to the loss of more than 822 lives and more than 3,000 wounded.

It has also resulted in the displacement of persons and the destruction of infrastructure.

View original:  https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-05-29-troika-european-union-support-aus-resolution-on-sudan-conflict/

[Ends] 

UN Rights Council votes to strengthen monitoring of abuses in Sudan

Report from IBT

By Nina LARSON, AFP

Dated Thursday 11 May 2023 AT 11:51 AM EDT - full copy:

UN Rights Council Votes To Strengthen Monitoring Of Abuses In Sudan

The UN Human Rights Council held a special session on the situation in Sudan AFP

The United Nations top rights body narrowly decided Thursday to beef up monitoring of abuses amid Sudan's spiralling conflict, despite vehement opposition from Khartoum.

The UN Human Rights Council's 47 members voted with 18 in favour, 15 opposed and 14 abstaining for a resolution calling for an end to the violence and strengthening the mandate of a UN expert on Sudan.

The resolution was adopted during a special council session, called following a request by Britain, Germany, Norway and the United States, and with the support of dozens of countries, to urgently address the violence that erupted in Sudan on April 15.

The tight vote came after Arab countries and others, including China, called for countries to oppose the resolution, maintaining it infringed upon Sudan's sovereignty, and African countries urged finding "African solutions to African problems".

But backers of the text insisted it was vital for the council to act swiftly.

"This is a really important day" British ambassador Simon Manley told AFP, hailing the council for its "vote for peace."

Nearly a month into Sudan's bloody conflict, civilians are still trying to flee, boarding evacuation planes with just a few belongings and leaving behind their homes, relatives and lives.

More than 750 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have been displaced in the fighting that began on April 15 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The fighting has plunged "this much-suffering country into catastrophe", United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said at the start of the one-day session.

Decrying "the wanton violence", he called on "all states with influence in the region to encourage, by all possible means, the resolution of this crisis".

Thursday's council session in Geneva was called to urgently address a situation that everyone present agreed was dire.

But the mandate adopted was not very strong.

It called "for an immediate cessation of violence by all parties, without pre-conditions", but refrained from ordering any new investigation into abuses.

Instead, it ordered the existing Special Rapporteur on the rights situation in Sudan to provide "detailed monitoring and documentation of... all allegations of human rights violations and abuses since the 25 October 2021, including those arising directly from the current conflict", and to report his findings to the council.

Even with such a weak text, it barely squeaked past.

Sudan's ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan vehemently opposed the special session and the resolution, insisting to the council that "what is happening in Sudan is an internal affair" and cautioning the session could distract from efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire.

Without Sudan's blessing, other African and Arab countries said they would not be able to support the resolution, while some other countries also expressed opposition.

"The international community should respect Sudan's sovereignty and ownership of internal affairs," China's ambassador Chen Xu said.

Critics also charged that there had been no need to rush to hold a special session when the rights council's next regular session is only weeks away.

But US ambassador Michele Taylor insisted that "the devastating human rights and humanitarian conflict in Sudan over the past four weeks is truly heart-wrenching."

"We needed to act with urgency because of the enormous gravity and suffering of the people of Sudan today."

View original: https://www.ibtimes.com/un-rights-council-votes-strenthen-monitoring-abuses-sudan-3692661

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