New York – The open session of the UN Security Council on Sudan today, Friday, witnessed a sharp exchange of accusations between Sudanese Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith and UAE Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab, prompting the Council President, the Danish Ambassador, to intervene to end the debate.
The session, which included speeches from all Council members, as well as UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and Médecins Sans Frontières Secretary-General Christopher Lockyear, focused on the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan and violations against civilians, especially women and children.
At the end of the deliberations, the Sudanese Ambassador was given the floor, followed by the UAE Ambassador, where both parties exchanged a series of sharp responses, forcing the Council President to intervene and inform each of them that she would end the right of reply to conclude the session.
In his speech to the Security Council, Sudanese Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith affirmed that the Sudanese army is working to protect civilians, noting that the state has developed a comprehensive roadmap for civilian protection in army-controlled areas, which was presented to the Council presidency and members.
Al-Harith also emphasized the grave violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing them of war crimes including mass rape, sexual enslavement, and the sale of girls and women. He explained that the state has established a unit to combat violence against women aimed at protecting and rehabilitating women, providing safe housing, and establishing protection committees and shelters. He noted that this unit cooperates with UNICEF to train volunteers, protect against harassment, and facilitate access to the justice system.
The Sudanese Ambassador accused the RSF of committing mass rape of men to humiliate them and break their dignity, indicating that these crimes were committed with the help of mercenaries and foreign individuals supported by the “regional sponsor,” implicitly referring to entities believed to be supporting these forces.
The UAE Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab said that the Sudanese people have been subjected to deadly attacks targeting civilians, especially women, for 699 days. In his speech, he presented recommendations including considering cases of violence against women as one of the criteria that call for imposing sanctions on perpetrators. He also stressed the need to hold accountable all those who committed rape crimes, especially against children, calling for support for victims, including psychological support.
The UAE Ambassador stated that his country has provided humanitarian aid worth $600 million since the beginning of the conflict, but he pointed out that more support is needed. He also called on the Security Council to ensure the entry of aid through all entry points. He affirmed that the UAE remains committed to supporting the Sudanese people. In the last point of his intervention, the Ambassador called on the Council to force the warring parties to silence the guns.
The Sudanese Ambassador requested the right to reply to his Emirati counterpart, saying that the UAE is playing an evil role in his country. The UAE Ambassador responded, denying these accusations and emphasizing that the UAE is not a party to the conflict and does not take sides with any party.
The exchange continued with further accusations from the Sudanese side and denials from the UAE, with the Council President eventually intervening to end the debate.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell spoke about the alarming reports of grave violations against children trapped in this conflict, including their recruitment and use by armed groups. She reported over 900 incidents of grave violations against children between June and December 2024, emphasizing that these numbers are likely only a small fraction of reality.
Médecins Sans Frontières Secretary-General Christopher Lockyear criticized the Security Council’s repeated calls to end the conflict and protect civilians as having no effect on delivering humanitarian aid without obstacles. He called for a new charter that preserves the survival and dignity of the Sudanese people, subject to independent monitoring and supported by a strong accountability mechanism.
