Political disagreement, economic decline, refugee influx 

Despite progress, Ms. DiCarlo reported political forces in Sudan are increasingly fragmented.  Disagreements have surfaced following the recent establishment of a new body, the Council of Partners for the Transitional Period, while formation of the Transitional Legislative Council has been postponed until 31 December. 

Sudan has also experienced severe economic decline, partly due to a five-month shutdown to prevent coronavirus spread.  As a result, public revenues dropped while spending on emergency health programmes increased, contributing to a growing budget deficit of roughly $250 million each month.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the humanitarian needs, also driven by severe flooding, intercommunal violence and prolonged displacement”, she continued.    

“In recent weeks, over 48,000 people have fled the Ethiopian conflict in the Tigray region and have sought refuge in Sudan. This has put an additional strain on the Sudanese authorities.” 

The UN Political Affairs chief again welcomed the intention by the  United States to rescind Sudan’s designation as a State sponsor of terrorism, which will open up access to critical international financial assistance. 

Mission plans developing 

Meanwhile, consultations between the authorities and the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) continue.  Deployment began in October and objectives include supporting peace processes and protecting civilians. 

The Mission is coming onstream as the mandate of another operation, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), is set to end on 31 December, subject to the Council’s final decision.  UNAMID has been in the province since 2007, in the wake of fighting that killed some 300,000 people and displaced millions.  

The Sudanese authorities have begun deploying a 12,000-strong Civilian Protection Force to Darfur, in line with the peace deal signed in October.  The agreement represents a real opportunity to end the decades-long conflict in Darfur, said the head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who also briefed the Council.  However, he highlighted the need to coordinate international support for protection efforts.