UN official decries violence, suffering of civilians in Sudan
February 27, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – A top United Nations official has expressed concerns over the unprecedented levels of violence and suffering of civilians in Sudan, nearly three years after conflict broke out in the country.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan said the suffering of many displaced people has gone on for too long and conflict needed to end.
“I am extremely concerned about recent reports of civilians unable – and in some cases actively prevented – from leaving areas of conflict, basically being held hostage in areas of active fighting. The passage of civilians fleeing to safety must be ensured, as called for under International Humanitarian Law,” she said in a statement.
For instance, in Zamzam camp in Al Fasher, North Darfur, tens of thousands of people, the majority of whom are women, children and elderly, have reportedly been facing intermittent conditions of siege, shelling and ground attacks. They are hungry and children are malnourished.
To compound to the problem, however, relief workers have not been spared from the horrendous acts of violence and abuse, and critical humanitarian response efforts have had to be halted.
Nkweta-Salaami cited recent decision by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to suspend all activities in Zamzam camp due to the escalation of fighting in the area that put their staff at risk. The World Food Programme (WFP) also halted food and nutrition assistance in Zamzam camp.
According to the top UN official, the ongoing fighting is affecting civilians and civilian facilities, and is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the almost two year-long conflict.
“I urge all those engaged in this conflict to de-escalate and abide by their obligations under the International Humanitarian Law to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure, and uphold their responsibilities by using every possible measure to protect civilians,” noted Nkweta-Salami.
She concluded, “Conflict has rules that must be respected by all, no matter what.”
(ST)