UN Chief warns against ‘catastrophic conflagration’ in Sudan, calls for permanent halt of violence

The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres warned Monday against a ‘catastrophic conflagration’ within Sudan that could engulf the whole region and beyond, calling for a permanent halt of the violence.

Speaking at the Security Council, Guterres called on the parties to the conflict to stop combat operations in densely populated areas and to allow unhindered humanitarian aid operations. “Civilians must be able to access food, water and other essential supplies, and evacuate from combat zones”.

Amid the continuing intense fighting between rival military factions which has now entered its second week, Guterres also called on the parties to de-escalate tensions and to return to the negotiating table.

“We will continue our efforts with our partners to secure a permanent halt to the fighting as soon as possible,” he stated, underlining that the United Nations is not leaving Sudan. “Our commitment is to the Sudanese people, in support of their wishes for a peaceful and secure future.”

The UN Chief said that he authorized the temporary relocation both inside and outside Sudan of some United Nations personnel, many of them with their families.

“I call on all Council members to exert maximum leverage with the parties to end the violence, restore order and return to the path of the democratic transition,” he added. “We must all do everything within our power to pull Sudan back from the edge of the abyss.”

Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, and its sister cities Omdurman and Bahri have been rocked by fierce battles between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leaving many stranded and causing a severe food shortage.

The showdown, which entered the second week Saturday following a brief lull, has left hundreds dead and thousands wounded while survivors cope with shortages of electricity and food.