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Sierra Leone urges engagement in Ukraine, reiterates Sudan humanitarian concerns and cautions on DRC withdrawal

Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations (press statement) · April 19, 2024

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Summary

In a UN press briefing, Sierra Leone’s representative said Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be respected and urged serious diplomatic engagement; the delegation also marked the Sudan conflict anniversary, called for cessation and aid, and said any UN withdrawal from eastern DRC should be "calculated" to protect progress.

Sierra Leone’s representative to the United Nations reiterated the country’s position that "the territorial integrity of Ukraine must be respected within its internally recognized borders" and called for serious engagement that can lead to dialogue and peaceful resolution.

The Minister also marked the first anniversary of hostilities in Sudan, stressing the need to focus on cessation of hostilities, the humanitarian situation and accountability. When asked by a reporter about the Security Council’s ability to get warring parties back to negotiation tables, the Minister pointed to an African Union communique and said Sudanese-driven peace initiatives and engagement by UN interlocutors are essential.

On the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, an AFP reporter asked whether the UN mission withdrawal should be slowed or postponed. The Minister responded that any drawdown "should be calculated to ensure that even if the peacekeeping forces are leaving ... there is support given to the stakeholders of the country and the region to be able to find solution to the conflict." The Minister said the Council must reiterate its position on enabling the peace process.

Why it matters: Sierra Leone framed these positions as part of a consistent approach favouring international law, dialogue and measured transitions where peacekeeping withdrawals could risk deterioration.

Next steps: The Minister said Sierra Leone will continue advocacy and engagement with interlocutors working on behalf of the UN secretary-general to press for Sudanese-led solutions and for managed transitions in UN peacekeeping operations.