Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, delivered a powerful statement during a UN Security Council briefing on the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
The ambassador expressed grave concern over the dire situation in the country, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating conflict.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield commended Assistant Secretary-General Pobee for his leadership and briefed the Council on the United States’ strong support for the UN mission. She called on all Council members to rally behind UNITAMS, emphasizing its critical role in achieving an end to the conflict, protecting human rights, ensuring unhindered humanitarian assistance, and facilitating the resumption of a democratic political process in Sudan.
Recalling her experience 19 years ago in a refugee camp in Adré, Chad, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield recounted witnessing the impact of the Sudanese civil war on displaced families.
Despite the initial hope following the Juba Peace Agreement, she lamented that Sudan has now become a “living hell,” with over 5,000 lives lost, 5.7 million people displaced, and widespread devastation in Khartoum and Darfur.
Expressing deep alarm over recent reports of human rights abuses, massacres, and heavy weapon attacks in Sudan, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged all UN Member States to uphold the arms embargo on Darfur. She called on the warring parties to cease further attacks, uphold international humanitarian law, and adhere to the commitments outlined in the May 11 Jeddah Declaration.
The ambassador highlighted the rampant conflict-related sexual violence in RSF-controlled areas in Darfur, stressing the urgent need for accountability.
She recalled the U.S. commitment to justice in Sudan, including sanctions and visa restrictions on RSF leaders and welcomed the establishment of an independent international fact-finding mission for Sudan.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored the devastating impact of the conflict on Sudanese civilians, creating the largest displacement crisis globally and one of the worst education crises. Despite the U.S. being the leading humanitarian donor, she called on all Member States to contribute more to alleviate the crisis.
Emphasizing the importance of sustained peace, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield revealed ongoing ceasefire talks facilitated by the United States, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development.
While acknowledging commitments made by the warring parties in the first round of negotiations, she urged the international community to closely monitor their actions and prioritize civilian protection and humanitarian assistance.
The ambassador concluded by calling for a renewed focus on ending the conflict, emphasizing that there is no military solution. She urged the international community to prioritize protecting civilians, providing humanitarian aid, and actively contributing to negotiations for a peaceful resolution to the Sudan crisis.
