In a statement from his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed shock that multiple drone strikes on December 4 hit a children’s nursery and a hospital in Kalogi, where the injured were being treated.
Reflecting similar concerns, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the UN World Health Organization, stated that Kalogi Rural Hospital was targeted at least three times, resulting in 114 deaths, including 63 children.
Blood bank call
Survivors of the strikes have been relocated to Abu Jebaiha Hospital in South Kordofan for treatment, with urgent calls being made for blood donations and medical support, Tedros noted in a statement on X.
“Alarmingly, paramedics and responders were attacked while trying to move the injured from the kindergarten to the hospital,” Tedros added.
That same day, an aid convoy in North Kordofan state was targeted. It was transporting lifesaving supplies to North Darfur when fired upon, seriously injuring a UN World Food Programme truck driver.
“The Secretary-General condemns this further attack on humanitarian operations during a time of dire need,” the statement continued.
Suffering on a huge scale
Aid agencies warn that the situation in Sudan remains catastrophic for millions caught in heavy fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
In central Kordofan, particularly, dire conditions are worsening as life-saving supplies dwindle, and famine conditions have been confirmed in Kadugli, South Kordofan’s capital.
“As fighting escalates, the horrific human rights violations reported in El Fasher must not be repeated in Kordofan,” the UN chief’s Spokesperson emphasized.
Amid reports of ongoing foreign involvement in the Sudan conflict, “the Secretary-General urges all States with influence to take immediate action to stop the fighting and halt arms flows,” his Spokesperson added.
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to agree on an immediate ceasefire and to resume talks for a lasting peace. The UN is ready to support genuine steps towards peace in Sudan.”
UN rights chief’s plea
This follows UN human rights chief Volker Türk’s concern about “another wave of atrocities” in Sudan.
Since late October, hundreds of civilians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced by airstrikes, shelling, and summary executions, with over 45,000 people seeking safety near Kordofan.
“Safe passage for those fleeing famine, death, and destruction is essential and a human rights necessity,” said the High Commissioner’s office.
WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau insisted on “urgent diplomatic action” to prevent further atrocities and reverse famine.
More than 30 million in Sudan need humanitarian assistance, and over nine million have been displaced since fighting began in April 2023 between the SAF and RSF.
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