UN Secretary-General Calls For Immediate Ceasefire in Sudan Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterre, has called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access in Sudan on Thursday. The UN chief’s plea came as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan reaches colossal proportions, with over half the population, requiring life-saving assistance.

Briefing ambassadors at the Security Council, Guterres appealed to all parties in Sudan to observe a Ramadan ceasefire saying this cessation of hostilities must lead to a definitive silencing of the guns across the country and set out a path towards lasting peace for the Sudanese people, adding that the values of Ramadan must prevail.

The ongoing war between rival militaries, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) persisting for eleven months, has not only claimed thousands of lives but has created huge internal displacement crisis..

According to Guterres, more than six million individuals are seeking refuge within Sudan, while 1.7 million have fled to neighboring countries.

While acknowledging recent efforts by Sudanese authorities to facilitate humanitarian access, Guterres stressed the imperative of sustained actions, particularly in addressing chronic food insecurity which has plunged almost 18 million people into acute hunger.

He called upon the international community to support the underfunded 2024 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan, while expressing alarm over indiscriminate attacks, looting, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and the recruitment and detention of children,

In conclusion, Guterres expressed gratitude to the dedicated staff of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and urged collective efforts to bolster Sudan’s journey towards sustainable peace.