The United Nations political chief has condemned the allies of Sudan's military and paramilitary forces for their role in the ongoing conflict that has resulted in the deaths of over 24,000 people and triggered a severe displacement crisis. The conflict erupted in mid-April 2023, stemming from long-standing tensions between the military and paramilitary factions in Sudan.
The violence has spread to various regions, including western Darfur, where the situation has been exacerbated by atrocities and bloodshed. The UN has warned that Sudan is on the brink of famine due to the ongoing crisis.
Recent attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the province of Gezira have been particularly brutal, with reports of civilian casualties, including women and girls being raped. The UN has strongly condemned these attacks and called for an immediate end to the violence.
The UN has highlighted the external support and supply of weapons to both sides of the conflict, fueling the belief that victory can be achieved through military means. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and others have been accused of providing support to the warring factions.
Efforts to initiate peace talks have faced challenges, with the Sudanese military boycotting previous negotiations. The UN is calling for increased international intervention to protect civilians and facilitate dialogue between the conflicting parties.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict has been devastating, with over 11 million people displaced since April 2023. The situation is further exacerbated by reports of famine conditions in displacement camps and alarming levels of malnutrition among children.
Urgent action is needed to address the escalating crisis in Sudan and prevent further loss of life and suffering. The UN is planning to engage with key stakeholders in the region to explore new avenues for peace talks and humanitarian assistance.
