At this pivotal moment of change in Sudan’s history, the High-Level Event provided a timely opportunity for the new government in Sudan to lay out its vision for the forthcoming transition period, including its challenges and needs, and to seek support from the international community as it embarks on this endeavour.
The High-Level Event commenced with opening remarks by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations and H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, followed by remarks given by H.E. Mr. Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister of Sudan. An interactive dialogue between Prime Minister Hamdok and invited delegations followed, providing an opportunity for Member States to engage with the Prime Minister on his vision for the transition.
During his remarks, Prime Minister Hamdok expressed the immediate priorities of his government to stop the conflict and build a comprehensive and inclusive peace with the armed groups in Sudan, including in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan (the Two Areas), building on the recent declaration of confidence-building and preparation for the peace talks to be commenced on 14 October; address the economic crisis and take action to steer Sudan towards a path of economic recovery, restructure and reform state institutions; strengthen the rule of law and develop multi-layered transitional justice processes; combat corruption and commence the process of recovering stolen assets; delisting Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism, which will assist the economic transformation process; and enhance and ensure the well-deserved participation of women in governmental structures. Prime Minister Hamdok outlined some of the challenges he expects to encounter in taking forward these priorities and expressed his expectations of the assistance that will be required from external partners, including from multilateral institutions, during this time.
Participants expressed their full support to the Sudanese Transitional Government and encouraged it, as well as all other stakeholders, to work collectively towards the successful conclusion of the transitional period, while emphasizing the importance of the international community remaining united in support of the national authorities. The meeting underscored the need for the prompt removal of all economic sanctions and delisting of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism in order to support Sudan’s nascent peace. Participants also expressed support to the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD to continue their efforts accompanying Sudan during the transitional period. This is necessary to enhance synergy and coherence, in order to assist Sudan in fully implementing the signed Political declaration and the Constitutional Transitional Decree reached under the auspices of the African Mediation with the support of the international community.
Delegations expressed their commitment to supporting the new government and the people of Sudan ahead of the delicate transitional period. Delegations also highlighted the need to capitalize on the unique opportunity this moment of change in Sudan brings to achieve the long-held aspirations of the people of Sudan for democracy and peace. Delegations warmly welcomed the Government of Sudan’s commitment to increasing the participation of women in all levels of political processes, including through Prime Minister Hamdok’s appointment of Sudan’s first female Foreign Minister, H.E. Ms. Asmaa Abdallah, who was present at the High-Level Event. The meeting agreed to develop a follow-up mechanism for addressing issues around the implementation of the outcome of this High-Level Event.
Delegations emphasized the need to continue providing their support, including mobilization of financial and humanitarian assistance to Sudan, specifically at this critical juncture, with a view to rebuilding a peaceful Sudan and creating conducive conditions for economic recovery.