KUALA LUMPUR: There are no Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) officers currently serving in Sudan under any United Nations (UN) mission, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
He said two armed forces observer officers, who served under the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), had completed their one-year assignment in September and November as UN military observers.
“Both officers have returned to Malaysia and have reported for new assignments,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said the previous deployment of observer officers from Malaysia was in Abyei, a border area between Sudan and South Sudan, about 815km from the current conflict zone in El Fasher.
“Malaysia remains committed to supporting global peacekeeping efforts through the deployment of Malaysian military observers under the UN banner when circumstances permit,” he said.
Meanwhile, ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan to Malaysia Hassan Abdel Salam Omer said Khartoum places great trust in Kuala Lumpur due to its neutrality and integrity in international affairs.
Describing Malaysia as “a leading country in our Islamic ummah” he said the country is well-positioned to play a key role in helping to save and rebuild Sudan.
“Malaysia has no ulterior motives or any agenda. So it is a very good candidate to play an excellent role in Sudan,” he said at a press conference here.
Hassan conveyed his government’s deep appreciation for Malaysia’s unwavering support and moral clarity over the atrocities unfolding in Sudan, commending Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan for their “clear and principled condemnation” of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
Hassan also expressed gratitude for the growing solidarity shown by Malaysians in recent days.
The envoy also thanked other governments and international bodies, including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Iran and the United States, for condemning the RSF’s massacres and calling for accountability.
“The recent condemnation against the RSF is appreciated, but Sudan needs more than words,” he said.
He urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and individual Muslim countries to move beyond statements of solidarity and take concrete action to stop the violence before “this horror spreads elsewhere.”
He also warned that inaction could lead to further atrocities.
Hassan urged the international community to designate the RSF as a terrorist organisation, impose targeted sanctions on those arming or supporting it and back Sudan’s transitional government in implementing a roadmap for peace.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF began on April 15, 2023, and has persisted despite mediation efforts.
The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.
