UN Chief Urges Peace in Sudan War: Plea to Silence the Guns Before Truce Vote
The United Nations Security Council convened on Thursday to discuss the intensifying war in Sudan, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing grave concerns over the nearly year-long conflict. Guterres warned that the situation not only poses a severe threat to Sudan’s unity but also carries the risk of escalating regional instability, potentially affecting the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea.
The conflict in Sudan has primarily involved clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Guterres emphasized the devastating toll the conflict has taken on Sudan’s population, imperiling the nation’s unity. His statement underscored the urgent need to address the crisis to prevent further fragmentation.
Expressing alarm at calls for arming civilians and the mobilization of popular activities in various states, Guterres highlighted the growing complexities of the conflict. These developments not only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis within Sudan but also contribute to the risk of regional destabilization.
A representative from Algeria, speaking on behalf of Mozambique and Sierra Leone, addressed the Council, expressing concern about reports suggesting external actors are fueling the crisis instead of supporting peace efforts. Emphasizing the need for a firm condemnation of external interferences, the representative stated that peace must prevail in Sudan. He welcomed the Sudanese authorities’ decision to facilitate humanitarian access through various border crossing points.
The Council is anticipated to vote on a draft resolution calling for a truce during the upcoming Muslim holy month, underscoring the global community’s commitment to mitigating the conflict’s impact on the civilian population.
Guterres also highlighted the alarming scale of internal displacement in Sudan, with 6.3 million people seeking safety within the country since the conflict began. The World Food Program reported that 18 million people across Sudan are facing acute hunger, with 5 million on the brink of starvation, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
The war in Sudan, which commenced on April 15, 2023, has claimed the lives of over 12,000 Sudanese, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing the conflict and implementing measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. The international community faces a pivotal moment in striving for peace, stability, and the well-being of the Sudanese population.
