Senior UN political and humanitarian officials briefed the Security Council on Monday about the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Sudan, characterized by indiscriminate attacks and growing territorial gains by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), escalating threats to civilians, aid workers, and peacekeepers.
The conflict, which began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, has since spread nationwide, destroying cities, displacing millions, and pushing areas like Darfur towards famine conditions.
Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari confirmed fears of intensified fighting during the dry season, highlighting the immense suffering and violence faced by civilians.
Recently, conflict has concentrated in the Kordofan region, where the RSF captured Babanusa in West Kordofan and later seized Heglig in South Kordofan, a vital oil hub. Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan are under siege, with continued attacks prompting SAF to retreat into South Sudan, and South Sudanese forces moving into Sudan to protect oil infrastructure.
Khiari warned of the conflict’s complexity and potential to involve neighboring countries, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent a broader war.
UN officials voiced concerns about the increasing use of drones, noting the deadly December 4 attack on a kindergarten and hospital in South Kordofan, which killed over 100 people, including 63 children. UN personnel were also targeted; a December 13 drone strike on a UN logistics base in Kadugli killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured nine. UNISFA is investigating, and all UN personnel have been evacuated. Khiari stated such attacks on peacekeepers could be considered war crimes, demanding accountability.
The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with civilians suffering in multiple regions, especially in Kordofan. Aid workers and convoys have been targeted, impacting life-saving programs and forcing relocations due to insecurity. In Darfur, conditions remain dire, with reports of mass killings and sexual violence following the RSF’s capture of El Fasher and atrocities during an April offensive on the Zamzam displacement camp.
Officials urged the Security Council to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and pursue a ceasefire. Ms. Wosornu insisted on a firm stance against attacks on civilians and violations of international humanitarian law. Mr. Khiari called for international supporters of both sides to cease hostilities and aid a Sudanese-led political process, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to ending the violence for Sudan’s people and regional stability.
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