Saudi Arabia's UN envoy Abdulaziz Alwasil told the Security Council on Friday that there is no military solution to Sudan's civil war, warning that external arms suppliers are fueling the conflict and worsening a humanitarian catastrophe that has displaced over 11 million people.
No Military Solution, Only Political Path
Alwasil emphasized that continued fighting and arms support to warring factions are exacerbating the crisis. He stated, "Sudanese citizens are facing immense challenges, a tragedy that continues," describing "a lack of compassion and humanity of extreme proportions" as leaders of rival militias, "hungry for power," ignore civilian suffering. The Kingdom's priorities remain stability, a ceasefire, and preservation of state institutions, unity, and territorial integrity. Any solution must be "an inter-Sudanese, political one" rooted in sovereignty.
Humanitarian Access and Ceasefire Violations
Alwasil attributed the worsening situation to noncompliance with the Jeddah Declaration, signed on May 11, 2023, and subsequent ceasefire arrangements. He urged council members to ensure unobstructed humanitarian access to all affected areas, including Darfur and Kordofan, in line with international law. He condemned the Rapid Support Forces for targeting World Food Programme aid convoys with drones in North Kordofan, calling it "a flagrant violation of humanitarian principles." He also denounced crimes against civilians in El-Fasher and demanded an unconditional end to weapons smuggling.
International Coordination and Saudi Aid
Alwasil welcomed a September 2025 statement by the Quad nations (US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt) on restoring peace, including a technical committee for concrete measures. He reiterated rejection of "all measures undertaken outside of official institutional frameworks," warning against parallel administrations. Saudi Arabia has evacuated 8,445 people of 110 nationalities from Sudan and expanded cooperation with the ICRC via the Jeddah-Port Sudan route. Riyadh pledged $100 million through KSrelief and launched the "Sahem" donation campaign, bringing total Saudi humanitarian assistance to over $100 million by June 2025. Total Saudi aid worldwide exceeds $3.2 billion.
Call for Global Action
Alwasil called on the international community to honor humanitarian commitments, support the return of displaced people and refugees, and restore essential services. He underscored the importance of the African Union, its envoy, and the Arab League in addressing the crisis. The civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has raged since April 2023, with no end in sight.
