Amidst nearly a year of conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for an immediate ceasefire.
He emphasized the importance of halting hostilities during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Guterres’ call for peace coincides with ongoing negotiations among UN Security Council members regarding a British draft resolution. This resolution advocates for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access, with potential voting expected as early as Friday.
The Secretary-General stressed that a cessation of hostilities must pave the way for a definitive end to violence and establish a clear path towards lasting peace in Sudan. He highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in the region, describing it as reaching catastrophic proportions, with human rights violations escalating unchecked.
Over the past year of conflict, the toll has been devastating, with at least 14,000 lives lost. Additionally, the war threatens to exacerbate the world’s largest hunger crisis, with reports emerging of children succumbing to malnutrition.
The crisis has also led to unprecedented levels of displacement, making it the most significant displacement crisis globally.