On Monday, senior UN political and humanitarian officials briefed the Security Council, describing a sharply deteriorated security and humanitarian situation in Sudan. The situation is marked by indiscriminate attacks, territorial gains by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and escalating dangers for civilians, aid workers, and peacekeepers. The conflict began in April 2023, rooted in a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. Since then, fighting has spread across the country, devastating cities, displacing millions, and causing famine in parts, including Darfur.
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari confirmed fears that the dry season would lead to increased fighting. “Each passing day brings staggering levels of violence and destruction,” he told ambassadors, describing the immense suffering of civilians with no end in sight.
In recent weeks, the conflict has focused on the Kordofan region, with RSF making significant territorial gains and capturing key locations. The region is under siege, and there are reports of SAF personnel withdrawing to South Sudan, while South Sudanese forces moved into Sudan to protect oil infrastructure. Khiari warned of the conflict’s increasingly complex and regional dimensions, cautioning that Sudan’s neighbors might be drawn into a wider war.
UN officials have noted the alarming trend of increasing drone use by both sides. On December 4, a kindergarten in South Kordofan was attacked, followed by a hospital treating victims, resulting in over 100 deaths, including 63 children. Drone attacks have also targeted UN personnel, with a December 13 strike on a UN base in Kadugli killing six Bangladeshi peacekeepers. UNISFA is investigating amid ongoing security challenges, with all UN personnel evacuated from Kadugli until further notice. Khiari stressed that such attacks on peacekeepers could constitute war crimes, demanding accountability.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with Kordofan becoming a new epicenter of need. Civilians, aid workers, and convoys have been targeted, affecting aid programs and forcing relocations due to insecurity. The situation in Darfur remains catastrophic, with reports of massacres and sexual violence following RSF’s takeover of El Fasher, including atrocities during the April offensive on Zamzam IDP camp.
As the conflict nears 1,000 days, officials urged the Council to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and press for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Ms. Wosornu called for a strong Council message against civilian attacks and violations of international law. Khiari echoed this, urging donors to influence an end to the fighting and support a Sudanese-led political process, stressing the UN’s commitment to ending the violence for Sudanese and regional stability.
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