The year-long ongoing war in Sudan has reached “a crisis of epic proportions”, according to top UN and African Union officials who addressed the Security Council on Friday. The conflict, which began just over a year ago, has resulted in unbearable suffering for the Sudanese people, with over 14,000 killed and tens of thousands wounded.
Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have failed to protect civilians, leading to widespread atrocities including sexual violence, recruitment of children, and torture. The UN and its partners are ready to redouble efforts to end hostilities and promote international mediation.
External actors have been fueling the war by providing material support to the warring parties, in violation of international law. This interference has been a major factor in prolonging the conflict, according to officials.
The ongoing war has set Sudan back several decades and has led to egregious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The humanitarian conditions in Sudan are worsening, with millions facing acute hunger and extreme danger in conflict-affected areas.
A famine prevention plan has been launched, but urgent action is needed to facilitate humanitarian relief and protect civilians. The people of Sudan cannot wait any longer for their suffering to end, and international support is crucial to prevent further loss of life.
The UN and its partners are calling for scaled-up action to protect humanitarian workers, deliver aid, and silence the guns in Sudan. With millions of lives at stake, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe in the region.