UN Calls for Action to End Sudan Conflict

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent action to end the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has lasted for 18 months and left nearly 25 million people in need of assistance. He highlighted the escalating violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread atrocities, including sexual violence. As famine and disease threaten millions, particularly in North Darfur, Guterres emphasized the need for a cessation of hostilities and increased humanitarian support. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, UN Special Advisor Alice Wairimu Nderitu urged parties involved in the conflict to prioritize peace and protect civilians, calling for immediate humanitarian aid and the release of hostages in Gaza. She stressed the importance of local community dialogue to prevent further escalation of violence. In South Sudan, there has been a lack of progress on a harmonized workplan for political transition, which is essential for restoring confidence among citizens and the international community.