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Restoring Peace and Justice in Sudan
Since the October military takeover in Sudan, the Sudanese people have filled the streets to demand a better future in which they can realize their aspirations for democracy and respect for human rights, noted Ambassador Richard Mills, Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations on August 23.
The United States believes “that resolving Sudan’s political crisis will require the formation of a civilian-led transitional government that can work to deliver on the promises of the 2019 revolution,” declared Ambassador Mills.
Unified international efforts are crucial to help facilitate a Sudanese-led dialogue to restore Sudan’s democratic transition and civilian rule. “We will continue to support the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, or UNITAMS, in the full implementation of its mandate, including supporting the Juba Peace Agreement,” said Ambassador Mills.
“We continue to be alarmed at the violence in Darfur,” he added, “which has displaced over 100,000 people. Intercommunal violence threatens social cohesion and diminishes the likelihood of peaceful cohabitation and the sustainability of the peace process.” The need for the protection of civilians is urgent, as is security sector reform, and the establishment of international monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Ambassador Mills congratulated the Juba Peace Agreement signatories for training and standing up a Darfuri Joint Security Keeping Force. “This is a significant step to improve the protection of civilians,” he said.
The International Criminal Court Prosecutor for Sudan noted in a recent report that Sudanese authorities have taken steps to provide assistance to their investigations in Darfur. Ambassador Mills urged such cooperation to continue. As a result of the court’s efforts, in April, the United States welcomed the beginning of the trial against Ali Mohammed Ali Abd-al Rahman, the former Janjaweed commander facing 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Over the last several months, many of the witnesses traveled thousands of miles to The Hague to tell of the widespread killing of civilians, pillaging, abuse, and destruction of communities in Darfur.
The United States strongly urges Sudanese authorities to continue to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, or ICC, by providing evidence and unimpeded access to key witnesses. “Those who are subject to arrest warrants by the ICC must face justice and be transferred to face trial,” stressed Ambassador Mills.
The United States stands with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of a democratic, human rights-respecting, and prosperous Sudan.