The UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, renewed the call for parties in Sudan to immediately de-escalate and adhere to their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as to rise to the challenge.
According to the UN Media Center, Dujarric stated that the efforts of the Secretary-General’s personal envoy to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, in discussions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Geneva, Switzerland, will continue over the weekend in various formats and locations.
Dujarric expressed his hope that the Sudanese delegations would engage in constructive discussions to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, maintaining contact with both delegations. He noted that the humanitarian situation in Sudan is deteriorating daily, horrifically affecting civilians, with many people in need remaining unreachable.
Additionally, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed deep concern about the rising wave of displacement due to ongoing fighting in Sennar State, located in southeastern Sudan, which has forced about 100 families to flee their homes.
Dujarric mentioned that the UN and its partners are supporting those fleeing the conflict in Sennar. So far, the World Food Programme has assisted about 46,000 people who have moved to the southern Blue Nile State, in addition to about 3,000 people who have fled to the neighboring state of Al Qadarif. The World Food Programme has warned that the fighting in Sennar is a concerning indicator of the conflict potentially spreading eastward towards Port Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, with intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) causing widespread displacement and suffering. The United Nations has reported over 15,500 deaths and almost 9.5 million displacements, with many unable to access essential services. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, marked by significant food insecurity and health crises, including outbreaks of cholera and other diseases due to the disruption of public health services.
Efforts to mediate the conflict have been ongoing, with international and regional bodies working towards a ceasefire and sustainable peace. However, the situation remains volatile, with reports of widespread atrocities including sexual violence, torture, and arbitrary detention. There is a pressing need for enhanced international cooperation and support to address the humanitarian needs and to foster a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
