During an emergency session held in New York on Friday, members of the UN Security Council warned that the situation in Sudan is steering towards a deadlock and a long-term conflict that could lead to the country’s collapse and regional repercussions.
Speakers at the session held the leaders of the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces accountable for the deteriorating situation in Sudan, emphasizing the need to pressure the warring parties to negotiate.
“The two rival generals sent their armies into battle a year ago, setting Sudan on a path of death, destruction, and ongoing ruin,” stated U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood.
He added, “The generals, who together led a military coup in 2021, disrupted Sudan’s democratic transition and continue to obstruct a better future for the people of Sudan.”
Ambassador Wood urged both parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to the negotiation table without delay, highlighting plans to resume talks in early May in Jeddah, facilitated by Saudi Arabia, the United States, alongside Egypt, the UAE, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the African Union.
Political Efforts Underway
UN officials reiterated their commitment to supporting Sudan’s civilians in charting a path forward and restoring democratic processes.
Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, described the crisis in Sudan as “one of mythic proportions; entirely man-made,” stressing that both sides have failed to protect civilians.
“The United Nations is prepared to double its efforts with its multilateral partners, including the African Union, IGAD, the Arab League, member states, and key partners, to help end hostilities and promote effective international mediation,” DiCarlo stated.
She revealed that the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, has been working with national, regional, and international stakeholders to enhance the coordination of mediation initiatives.
DiCarlo called on all combatants to adhere to their obligations under international law, commit to the Jeddah Declaration, and protect civilians, urging all parties to exercise utmost restraint to prevent further bloodshed.
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, representative of the African Union, noted that the war has already set Sudan back by decades, stating, “Rebuilding Sudan to its pre-war state will take more than a generation.”
He emphasized that the conflict has also led to egregious violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of war, adding, “The conflict must end, and the Jeddah process must be resumed promptly with full participation from the African Union to reach an unconditional ceasefire to end the suffering in Sudan.”
