The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—have expressed “deep concern” over the continued clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, as per a joint statement released after the meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) on Wednesday.
The meeting was held in a hybrid format in Cape Town under the current BRICS’ chair South Africa.
The BRICS governments’ have backed “joint efforts” by the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international community to facilitate a dialogue between the Sudanese forces and the RSF, per the statement.
They have further urged the Sudanese forces and the RSF to “respect international and humanitarian law”.
“They encouraged all parties in Sudan to continue dialogue so that the political transition can be achieved, meeting the fundamental interests of the country and the legitimate aspirations of the Sudanese people,” it stated.
Conflicts in MENA Pose a ‘Threat to International Peace’: BRICS
The BRICS states underlined in the joint statement that “continued conflicts” in the MENA region pose a threat to regional and international peace and stability.
“They advocated for the strengthening of the multilateral framework of international relations, while opposing unilateralism and promoting peace, stability and development in the Middle East and North Africa region,” the statement read.
The countries reaffirmed the “primary role” of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in maintaining international security and peace, while acknowledging the support of regional mechanisms such as the League of Arab States (LAS) and the African Union (AU).
The five countries advocated the resolution of conflicts and disputes in the region through “dialogue and inclusive consultations in a coordinated and cooperative manner”.
Further, the statement called for greater developmental cooperation from the international community towards achieving peace and stability in the MENA region.
The BRICS states urged the international community to help the region with post-pandemic economic recovery efforts by supporting greater economic “diversification”, particularly in the oil-producing countries.
The BRICS underscored that a peaceful and stable MENA region would be in the “interest of the whole world”.