UN Chief Warns of Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
At a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the crisis in Sudan as a catastrophe of “staggering scale and brutality.” He cautioned that the conflict is expanding beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a threat to regional stability.
Urgent Need for Action
Guterres emphasized the necessity of urgent and sustained attention to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. He called for unhindered access to those in need and stressed the importance of halting the flow of arms and ammunition into Sudan, stating that continued weapon supplies are fueling destruction and bloodshed.
The ongoing conflict between Sudanese Government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has persisted for nearly 22 months, leaving over 30 million people in need of humanitarian aid and protection. More than 12 million people have been displaced, with 3.3 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The situation is further aggravated by severe food shortages, with nearly 25 million people experiencing acute hunger, while less than 25% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas remain operational.
Coordinated Humanitarian Response
To address the crisis, the UN and its humanitarian partners are preparing to launch two major response plans for Sudan and its neighboring countries. These plans will require $6 billion in funding to assist 26 million people in urgent need.
“These appeals represent the largest humanitarian response ever undertaken for Sudan and its surrounding region, reflecting the unprecedented scale of the crisis,” Guterres stated. He also praised local responders and civil society organizations, including women-led groups, for their relentless efforts to assist communities despite the risks they face.
Call for Ceasefire and Peace Talks
Guterres reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. He highlighted the role of his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, in engaging with the warring parties to advance these goals through the Jeddah Declaration. This agreement, signed by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF with mediation from Saudi Arabia and the United States, outlines commitments to humanitarian protections and dialogue towards a ceasefire.
Appeal for Global Solidarity
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Guterres urged global leaders to use their influence to support peace efforts and humanitarian operations.
“At this sacred time of peace, compassion, and solidarity, I call on all of you to use your leverage for good,” he said, stressing the need for immediate action to help Sudan emerge from its deepening crisis.
Engagements with African Leaders
During his visit to Addis Ababa, Guterres also participated in meetings of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council, addressing the crises in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He reiterated that there is no military solution to these conflicts and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
Additionally, he held bilateral discussions with African leaders, including the Presidents of Kenya, Rwanda, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as Moussa Faki, the outgoing Chairperson of the AU Commission.
With Sudan’s humanitarian situation worsening, Guterres’ statements serve as a stark reminder that the international community must not turn its back on the millions in desperate need.
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