UN chief calls for Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan
March 7, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has called for the cessation of hostilities during the holy month of Ramadan in war-torn Sudan.
“I call on all parties in Sudan to honor the values of Ramadan by honouring a Ramadan cessation of hostilities. This cessation of hostilities must lead to a definitive silencing of the guns across the country, and set out a firm path toward lasting peace for the Sudanese people,” he told the Security Council on Thursday.
Guterres said the values of Ramadan must prevail in the country.
Next month will mark one year since the outbreak of the brutal fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The war has since killed thousands of people and displaced over 8 million people.
There is a serious risk that the conflict could ignite regional instability of dramatic proportions, from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, said Guterres.
Over 14,000 people have been killed, although that number is likely far higher, he added.
Sudan is now home to the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with 6.3 million people seeking safety within the country since the beginning of the conflict. Another 1.7 million people have fled to neighboring countries, noted Guterres.
The conflict has destroyed civilian infrastructure and brought basic services to a standstill.
More than 70 percent of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are not functional. Millions of children are out of school.
The UN said water and sanitation systems are breaking down, diseases are multiplying and hunger is stalking Sudan.
Also, some 18 million people are acutely food insecure, the highest number ever recorded during a harvest season.
“A Ramadan cessation of hostilities can help stem the suffering and usher the way to sustainable peace. Let us spare no effort to support the people of Sudan in their legitimate aspirations for a peaceful and secure future,” said Guterres.
The UN Secretary General welcomed regional and international efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan, including through the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
“The United Nations stands ready to intensify the engagement with our multilateral partners, including the African Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States, and key member states, to take urgent action toward a durable cessation of hostilities and an inclusive, coherent, complementary and effective international mediation. These efforts must draw in regional states with tangible leverage on the warring parties to end the fighting,” he stressed.
According to the UN, half the population in Sudan or 25 million people need life-saving assistance.
(ST)