New York - Khartoum: Europe and the Arabs
The Acting United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Abdou Diang, stressed the need to stop the fighting, noting that the Sudanese "urgently need a humanitarian pause."
According to the United Nations news bulletin, of which we received a copy this Friday morning, Diang spoke on the phone from Khartoum to reporters in New York on Thursday, about the killing of large numbers of people and the wounding of hundreds.
"We are concerned that the death toll is rising, as fighting continues in densely populated areas. People must be able to access food, fuel, supplies and other vital services for their families," he added.
The humanitarian operation has been severely hampered, Diang said, noting that fighting and attacks on airports and other vital humanitarian assets have made humanitarian operations "almost impossible."
"Warehouses, vehicles and other humanitarian assets have been attacked, looted and seized. Health services - already unstable - have reached the brink of collapse," he added.
Diang stressed the need for aid to reach millions of people in need, noting that humanitarian needs were high even before the outbreak of this violence.
"A third of the population - about 15 million people - needs humanitarian assistance. 3.7 million people remain internally displaced, most of them in Darfur," he added.
The Acting Humanitarian Coordinator also expressed "concern about reports of sexual harassment and violence".
This came after the Secretary-General of the United Nations appealed to the two fighting parties in Sudan to cease fire for at least 3 days during the blessed Eid Al-Fitr to allow civilians to leave their places and obtain medical care, food and other basic needs.
The appeal of Secretary-General António Guterres came after his participation - via a video link from the United Nations headquarters in New York - in a meeting organized by the African Union.
The meeting brought together the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union and representatives of a number of countries committed to resolving the Sudanese crisis, as the Secretary-General said in his speech to reporters after the meeting.
Guterres noted the strong unanimity of the participants in the meeting to condemn the fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, and to call for a cessation of hostilities.
Ceasefire as a first step
As a first priority, Guterres appealed for a ceasefire of at least 3 days. He said this should be the first step to allowing a period of calm from the fighting and paving the way for a permanent ceasefire. The Secretary-General emphasized that he was personally involved in doing everything possible to make that possible.
He stressed the need for the cessation of hostilities to be followed by a serious dialogue that would allow the success of the transitional path, which begins with the appointment of a civilian government. "The fighting must stop immediately," he said.
The Secretary-General expressed his concern about the effects of the fighting on civilians, the dire humanitarian situation and the appalling prospects for further escalation. "Hundreds of people have been killed and injured. Fighting in urban areas is particularly dangerous for civilians, including children who are repeatedly forced to take cover in schools and leave hospitals under fire," he said. ".
In a tweet on Twitter, the President of the UN General Assembly joined the Secretary-General in calling for a temporary ceasefire in Sudan during Eid Al-Fitr.
Chaba Koroshi expressed his concern about the conditions of the Sudanese people and aid workers. "The ceasefire will be a first step for a peaceful transition in Sudan," he said.
In his remarks to reporters, the Secretary-General of the United Nations stated that humanitarian operations are almost impossible in light of the fighting. He said that stores, vehicles and other humanitarian assets had been attacked, looted and seized. He stressed the need to end the targeting of relief workers and their assets.
He reminded all parties of their obligations under international law, including what is required to ensure the safety and security of aid workers.
The Secretary-General also expressed grave concern about the situation of United Nations staff in Sudan, many of whom are stuck in their homes in areas of active conflict. He said the United Nations is doing everything it can to be able to support them.
Antonio Guterres confirmed that he continues his good offices, in close coordination with United Nations partners, for a ceasefire, de-escalation of tensions and the start of political talks.
Concluding his remarks to reporters, Guterres said that the United Nations stands by the Sudanese people and fully supports their hopes for a peaceful and secure future and a return to democratic transition.