UN Secretary-General renews calls for a cessation of hostilities in Sudan
April 20, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has reiterated his calls for a cessation of hostilities in Sudan.
Speaking after a meeting convened by the African Union on the situation in Sudan on Thursday, Guterres condemned the ongoing fighting in the country and called for a three-day ceasefire to mark the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The Secretary-General appealed for the cessation of hostilities as an immediate priority, to allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to escape and seek medical treatment, food, and other essential supplies. He stressed that this must be the first step in providing respite from the fighting and paving the way for a permanent ceasefire.
Guterres has been personally engaged in doing everything possible to make the ceasefire happen. He emphasized that the cessation of hostilities must be followed by serious dialogue, allowing for a successful transition, starting with the appointment of a civilian government.
The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the terrible toll on civilians, the appalling humanitarian situation, and the horrifying prospect of further escalation. He noted that hundreds of people have been killed and injured in the ongoing fighting, and fighting in urban areas is particularly dangerous for civilians, including children who have repeatedly been forced to shelter in schools and evacuate from hospitals under fire.
Guterres further expressed his worry about the situation of United Nations personnel, many of whom are trapped in their homes in areas of active conflict. He stated that the UN is doing everything in its power to support them.
The Secretary-General called on all parties to respect their obligations under international law, including ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers. He also urged the parties to stop targeting humanitarian workers and assets.
In conclusion, Guterres emphasized that the United Nations stands with the Sudanese people, in full support of their wishes for a peaceful, secure future and a return to the democratic transition.
He pledged to continue to use his good offices, in close coordination with the UN’s partners, to establish a ceasefire, de-escalate tensions, and start political talks.
(ST)