Guterres: External Forces Fueling Sudan Conflict

New York – Sudan horizon– Agencies

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has accused unnamed external forces of fueling and igniting the conflict in Sudan.

Addressing the UN Security Council session on Monday, Guterres called on “the parties to the conflict” to end the war. He stated, “We have consistently urged both sides to cease fighting and come to the negotiation table, but they continue to escalate while external forces fan the flames and fuel the conflict.”

He warned that “the ongoing conflict could destabilize the region from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.”

Guterres commended local leaders of humanitarian initiatives, saying, “Let us draw inspiration from them. There are over 700 emergency rooms across the country, offering an inspiring model of humanitarian action and showing us another side of Sudan.” He added, “It is time for decisive action to achieve peace for the people of Sudan.”

British Deputy Ambassador to the UN, James Kariuki, also urged “the warring parties to engage in diplomatic initiatives to reach a ceasefire, comply with international humanitarian law, and facilitate the passage of aid across borders and conflict lines.” He appealed to the Sudanese government to permanently open the Adre border crossing.

Kariuki added, “We have received alarming reports of violent attacks in Al-Jazira State that have led to the deaths of dozens of civilians. RSF forces allegedly fired indiscriminately, committed acts of sexual violence against women and girls, and looted homes.”

He welcomed the Secretary-General’s recommendations on civilian protection, expressing hope that the Council would meet in the coming weeks to agree on further steps to support implementing these recommendations.