The United Nations has warned of the continued deterioration of the situation in Sudan amid ongoing fighting, drone strikes, and air raids, which have resulted in civilian casualties, a worsening humanitarian crisis, and the collapse of basic services. It reaffirmed the continuation of international efforts to reach a humanitarian ceasefire, curb violence, and protect civilians.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, stated in a briefing before the Security Council today, Friday, according to UN News, that the parties to the conflict have not yet shown a reliable commitment to making concessions or negotiating a ceasefire. She noted that both sides are "betting on achieving additional military gains and benefiting from external support."
Diplomatic efforts and call to change calculations
DiCarlo urged the parties to change their calculations and called on external states to use their influence to end the war rather than fuel it. She pointed out that the UN continues to coordinate with the Quartet, comprising the United States, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, with the aim of reaching an agreement on a humanitarian ceasefire.
She affirmed the UN's readiness to support the implementation of any ceasefire agreement, stressing the need to take practical and immediate steps to curb violence rather than waiting for an international agreement. She proposed a halt to the use of drones or agreeing on specific commitments to strictly regulate their use, given their continued role in causing civilian casualties.
Humanitarian and educational measures
The UN official noted that the Secretary-General's Personal Representative to Sudan, Pia Havisto, continues his contacts with the parties to promote confidence-building measures and encourage dialogue. She highlighted the formation of two committees to examine the release of detainees and implement negotiated prisoner exchange operations.
In the educational sector, DiCarlo clarified that the UN, in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), is working with the parties to ensure the administration of a unified, nationally recognized exam for Sudanese students. This aims to help sustain education and prevent students' futures from being held hostage by frontlines.
The war in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has continued since April 2023. According to UN data, it has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, while approximately 20 million people are suffering from acute food insecurity.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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