​Your Excellency Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 

President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and Chairperson of the African Peace and Security Council for the month of February,  

Your Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki,  

Chairperson of the African Union Commission,  

Your Excellency Mr. António Guterres,  

Secretary-General of the United Nations,  

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,  

At the outset, allow me, on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, to extend my sincere appreciation for the kind invitation extended to the League to participate in this pivotal meeting. This gathering takes place against the backdrop of rapidly evolving developments in Sudan, reaffirming the shared conviction of both the League of Arab States and the African Union that our long-standing and deep-rooted cooperation is instrumental in realising the aspirations of our peoples and in supporting our nations in safeguarding their peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.  

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

On 1 October, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit had the honour of receiving at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo a distinguished high-level delegation from the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, under the chairmanship of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting was marked by a frank and transparent exchange on a number of issues of mutual concern, foremost among them the situation in Sudan.  

We have carefully examined the comprehensive report submitted by the distinguished Council on the proceedings of that meeting, as well as its valuable recommendations regarding the enhancement of our cooperation. The report also contained insightful observations on the respective approaches of our two organisations towards resolving the crisis in Sudan.  

Accordingly, I shall not delve at length into the well-established position of the League of Arab States, which remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The League firmly upholds the protection of all Sudanese state institutions and advocates for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, in line with the Jeddah Declaration signed in May 2023 and the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2736 of 13 June 2024.  

Furthermore, the League affirms the necessity of strengthening coordination and synergy among all international and regional initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to every Sudanese citizen in need, and mobilising concerted efforts to address this unprecedented crisis in Sudan's modern history. In this regard, the League actively supports a comprehensive Sudanese national dialogue that would pave the way for the formation of a transitional government mandated with specific responsibilities to restore peace and stability, thereby opening new prospects for a secure and prosperous future for Sudan.  

Mr. President,

The League of Arab States and its Secretary-General remain unwavering in their commitment to supporting the government and people of Sudan during this critical juncture. Our efforts have been steadfast, as evidenced by ongoing engagements with Sudanese leadership, most notably the Secretary-General's visit to Port Sudan on 9 December 2024, where he met with Lieutenant General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan. Additionally, the League of Arab States continues to welcome and engage with Sudanese civilian elites in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the crisis.  

Your Excellency, Mr. President,  

Guided by the League's close monitoring of the evolving situation in Sudan, I take this opportunity to present a series of observations for the consideration of this gathering:  

1. Ensuring the full implementation of the Jeddah Ceasefire Declaration remains the cornerstone of efforts to halt the bloodshed. Achieving this objective necessitates unwavering solidarity, enhanced coordination, and seamless alignment among international, regional, and national actors. The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States has consistently advocated for harmonisation among the various regional and international initiatives. In this context, we have convened three high-level meetings, the most recent of which was held in Nouakchott on 18 December, under the auspices of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, in its capacity as Chair of the African Union. While progress has been made, much remains to be done to achieve the necessary synergy.  

2. The immediate and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2736 of 13 June 2024 is of utmost urgency. This resolution calls upon the Rapid Support Forces to lift the siege on the city of El Fasher and to facilitate the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian and relief assistance to all Sudanese in need.  

3. The Sudanese National Dialogue is, first and foremost, a Sudanese-led responsibility that must be resumed under Sudanese ownership. In this regard, I welcome the constructive initiative announced by the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 8 February and acknowledge, with deep appreciation, the tireless efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt in July last year to foster an inclusive national dialogue that leaves no stakeholder behind. Additionally, I commend the significant contributions of the African Union Commission in this endeavour.  

4. Ensuring the protection of civilians remains a paramount priority. This effort must be grounded in full respect for Sudan's sovereignty and independence while supporting the recently announced independent national investigations into documented systematic crimes committed by outlawed militias. These atrocities have indiscriminately impacted various segments of society, including vulnerable groups such as women and children. It is imperative that the perpetrators are held accountable to deter future violations and uphold justice.  

In conclusion, Your Excellency the President,

and Your Excellency the Chairperson of the African Union Commission,  

As I once again extend my sincere gratitude for this kind invitation, I reaffirm our firm belief that collective and coordinated African, Arab, and international efforts are indispensable to supporting Sudan in restoring its stability, peace, and security.