UNITAMS calls for immediate cessation of military hostilities in Kordofan states
August 20, 2020 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the United Nations mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), Volker Perthes has urged immediate end to all military actions and mobilization in Kordofan states to ease the sufferings of the affected population.
Reports say parts of South Kordofan’s capital, Kadugli came under shelling by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/North (SPLM/N) – Al Hilu on 16 August 2023.
The heavy shelling and clashes between the SPLM/N and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) displaced the local population and resulted into civilian casualties.
“These latest military developments are deplorable since these two Kordofan states have managed to avoid large-scale military confrontation in populated areas in the past months,” Perthes said in a statement.
The warring parties, he added, should return to dialogue to settle their differences.
Report also indicate that Al-Fulah town in West Kordofan has been in turmoil since 16 August, when fighting escalated between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to looting of government offices, banks and several offices.
UNITAMS urged all military actors in Sudan to refrain from actions that can ignite further armed conflict and ensure civilians and infrastructure are protected.
Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, resulting in at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to Sudan’s Health ministry.
(ST)