United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the resumption of the Jeddah talks, which are critical for addressing the escalating conflict in Sudan.
This conflict, involving the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has significantly impacted the region, causing refugees to flee across the border into Chad.
Guterres, in his efforts to mediate and restore peace, has engaged with various international leaders, including President William Ruto of Kenya and Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
A key development in this effort is the virtual meeting convened by Guterres, bringing together influential leaders from the African Union, the Arab League, and IGAD.
This meeting focuses on strategies to end the violence and reestablish order in Sudan. The Trilateral Mechanism (AU-IGAD-UN) has noted the commitment of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to a 24-hour ceasefire, an essential step towards de-escalation.
However, despite these efforts, the fighting has continued, and a previously announced ceasefire collapsed shortly after its implementation.
The conflict has created a dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, with widespread consequences for civilians. Heavy fighting has led to a scarcity of essential supplies like food, fuel, and medical care.
The UN’s concern extends to the Sudanese healthcare system, which is at risk of complete collapse due to the ongoing violence and lack of resources.
In addition to the internal turmoil, the crisis has led to a significant influx of Sudanese refugees into neighboring Chad, with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 new refugees seeking safety.
In light of these developments, Guterres urges all parties involved in the conflict to respect international law, prioritize civilian protection, and support humanitarian efforts.
The situation in Sudan remains precarious, with the need for a concerted international effort to resolve the conflict and restore stability to the region.
