United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a powerful and urgent appeal for peace in Sudan, as the nation's devastating civil war marks a grim milestone. The conflict, which erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has now entered its second year, leaving a trail of destruction and human misery.
A Plea for an Immediate Halt to Hostilities
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the UN chief called for an immediate ceasefire. He emphasized that the fighting must stop for the sake of the Sudanese people, who have endured unimaginable suffering. The war, which began on April 15, 2023, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over 8.5 million individuals, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian and displacement crises.
Guterres condemned the widespread violence, which has seen attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. He specifically highlighted the severe risk of famine facing millions, alongside outbreaks of cholera and other diseases. His statement underscored that the conflict is not only destroying Sudan but also threatening the stability of the entire region.
The Deepening Humanitarian Catastrophe
The human cost of the war is staggering. Beyond the massive displacement, nearly 25 million people—more than half of Sudan's population—are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The UN and other aid agencies face monumental challenges in delivering help, often hampered by access restrictions, security threats, and severe underfunding.
Critical services have collapsed in many areas. Hospitals have been bombed, schools are closed, and food systems are failing. The UN warns that nearly 18 million people are facing acute food insecurity, with parts of the country at high risk of slipping into famine in the coming months if aid does not scale up dramatically.
International Response and the Path Forward
Secretary-General Guterres urged the international community to intensify its support for Sudan. He called for increased funding for the humanitarian response and for all parties to facilitate unhindered access for aid workers. Furthermore, he appealed to global leaders to use their influence to bring the warring parties back to the negotiating table.
The conflict stems from a bitter power struggle between the army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF commander, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. What began as tensions over integrating their forces exploded into full-scale urban warfare in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread to other regions, including the Darfur area, which has witnessed horrific ethnic violence.
The UN chief's statement serves as a sobering reminder that there is no military solution to this conflict. A sustainable peace can only be achieved through a inclusive political process that addresses the root causes of the crisis. As the world's attention is often diverted by other global crises, Guterres's call is a critical effort to refocus the international spotlight on Sudan's agony and to mobilize action for a peaceful resolution before the situation becomes irreversible.
