Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the United Nations Security Council, focusing on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. He began by thanking Mr. Bahr El Din for his briefing and expressed gratitude to all briefers for their testimony.
Blinken recalled December 19, 2018, when Sudanese citizens rose against a dictatorship. He referenced the iconic image of Alaa Salah as a symbol of this movement and quoted a student protester: “We grinned with freedom on our face.” However, he noted that six years later, many Sudanese face hunger and despair due to recent conflicts.
The military takeover in 2021 and subsequent fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have halted Sudan's democratic transition, leading to severe humanitarian crises. Blinken described daily atrocities, including attacks on hospitals and markets, executions, and sexual violence against women and girls.
"In Zamzam," Blinken stated, "people have resorted to eating grass and peanut shells," highlighting the dire conditions. Over three million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries as external actors exacerbate the conflict by supporting both sides.
Blinken emphasized the need for global attention to prevent further deterioration of peace and security. The U.S., he said, has been a major provider of aid to Sudan, announcing an additional $200 million in support for food, shelter, and healthcare.
He detailed the U.S.-led initiative "Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan" (ALPS), co-hosted with Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, African Union, and UN. This initiative aims to incorporate Sudanese civil society in peace efforts.
The U.S., alongside partners, has worked to reopen transportation routes across Sudan for aid delivery. Humanitarian air operations have resumed under U.S. leadership. Blinken mentioned that over 1.4 million people were vaccinated against cholera with UN collaboration.
Despite progress in aid delivery and infrastructure reopening, Blinken stressed that more needs to be done. He outlined four areas for intensified efforts: increasing aid distribution safely; pressing warring parties to protect civilians; addressing foreign influences exacerbating conflict; supporting Sudan's return to civilian-led governance.
He called on international partners to impose sanctions on individuals worsening the conflict. The council must communicate clearly that outside interference is unacceptable.
Blinken concluded by affirming support for Sudan's transition back to constitutional governance. He announced plans for $30 million from Congress to empower civil society in this process.
Referencing local solidarity initiatives like "nafeer," Blinken urged council members to mobilize efforts toward ending suffering in Sudan: "We have a responsibility – a responsibility to stop the suffering."
Following his address as Secretary of State, Blinken resumed his role as president of the council before passing the floor to Ecuador's Minister of Government José De La Gasca.
