Harith Idris, Sudan's permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered a speech before the UN General Assembly that revealed glaring contradictions and positions reflective of the Sudanese army's policies under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Instead of defending the Sudanese people and seeking solutions to the humanitarian crisis, the speech served as a clear exposition of political and military agendas that disregard civilian welfare.
The content of the delegate’s speech made it clear that Burhan and his military regime are indifferent to protecting civilians in Sudan. Rather than focusing on tangible efforts to alleviate the people's suffering, the delegate's remarks centered on justifying the military's actions and deflecting blame onto others. This deliberate neglect of the humanitarian crisis reflects a complete abdication of responsibility for a population enduring violence, displacement, and starvation.
The Sudanese delegate's alignment with the Russian veto underscores the extent of foreign and military interventions supporting the Sudanese army. Such support inevitably comes at the expense of civilians, who bear the brunt of these interventions, placing Sudan as a pawn in international agendas seeking to bolster influence rather than save lives or achieve stability.
By accusing the UN Security Council of failing in its duties, the Sudanese government demonstrates its lack of respect for international organizations and permanent member states. This antagonistic rhetoric reveals the army's desire to evade accountability and shift blame onto others rather than working to address internal challenges.
Despite the delegate's assertion that the Sudanese government is committed to protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid, on-the-ground realities tell a different story. The ongoing bombardment of residential areas, targeting of hospitals and schools, and obstruction of humanitarian assistance paint a grim picture that starkly contrasts with these claims.
Instead of assuming responsibility for the humanitarian catastrophe, the Sudanese delegate directed accusations at other nations and international parties, attempting to deflect accountability. This approach was evident in the delegate’s endorsement of the Russian veto, which hinders any resolutions aimed at alleviating the suffering of Sudanese civilians.
The delegate's announcement of Burhan's decision to permit UN organizations to deliver humanitarian aid confirms that the military is exploiting aid as a political tool to advance its agenda. By casting doubt on the roles of relief organizations, the government undermines trust in its intentions and sabotages international efforts to address Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
The Sudanese delegate’s speech was a clear reflection of Burhan and the army's policies aimed at justifying violations and evading accountability. Sudan urgently needs leadership that has the courage to acknowledge its mistakes and work toward rectifying them, rather than perpetuating a blame game and politicizing humanitarian aid. The international community must recognize that the Sudanese military under Burhan is an obstacle to resolving the crisis, not a part of the solution.