UN Sanctions Committee on Sudan visits Darfur

A delegation of the UN Sanctions Committee on Sudan, headed by chairperson Joanna Wronecka, and a number of representatives of the permanent members of the UN Security Council arrived in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur, today.

The acting governor of North Darfur, Maj Gen Malik Khojali, briefed the visitors on the political, humanitarian, and security situation in the state since the ousting of President Omar Al Bashir on April 11.

He explained the priorities of the new, civilian-led government to be implemented during the first six months after its formation in early September, including the ending of the civil wars in the country and solving the economic crisis.

The governor said that it will be difficult to implement these priorities in light of the international sanctions on Sudan, including those set by the UNSC Resolution 1591 issued in March 2005. He stated that the decision against the Sudanese government headed by Al Bashir was appropriate at the time, but the recent developments prove that it is no longer justified.

‘Lift sanctions on Sudan’

He called on the delegation to work to lift the sanctions on Sudan after the reasons that led to the resolution ceased to exist.

Gen Khojali emphasised the need for the return of international relief organisations that left Sudan after the issuance of Resolution 1591.

He briefed the delegation members on the security and humanitarian situation in North Darfur, saying that the region is now witnessing stability. He invited the delegation to conduct field trips to the camps for the displaced, towns, and villages to see the situation themselves.

The governor also pointed to the decision of the government last week to accelerate the access procedures for UN agencies and other aid organisations, and to facilitate their work in the conflict-torn areas in the country. In particular in the areas of voluntary return of displaced people, humanitarian aid is required.

Joanna Wronecka, chair of the UN Sanctions Committee, and the other members of the delegation are visiting Sudan to be updated about the political developments and the situation on the ground after the popular uprising. The programme includes visits to camps for displaced people as well.

The delegation visited Zalingei, capital of Central Darfur, today as well. They met there with the state governor, and visited the Hamidiya camp at the outskirts of the town, where displaced leaders briefed them about their concerns.

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