U.N. chief urges ceasefire in Sudan as Security Council prepares to vote

March 7, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, called for a one-month halt to fighting in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan. This coincides with the Security Council’s expected vote on Friday on a British-drafted resolution demanding a truce.

In a meeting focused on Sudan, Guterres urged warring parties to lay down arms. He warned that the nearly year-long conflict risks escalating regional instability and further fracturing the country.

“It’s time to silence the guns and amplify the call for peace,” Guterres said, advocating for a cessation of hostilities during Ramadan. “This ceasefire must lead to a permanent end to fighting nationwide and establish a clear path towards lasting peace.”

The 15-member council is expected to approve the resolution on Friday. It urges “an immediate cessation of hostilities leading into Ramadan.”

According to the Associated Press, the draft expresses “deep concern about the spreading violence and the worsening humanitarian crisis, including severe food insecurity, particularly in Darfur.”

The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused a dire humanitarian situation, with 25 million people in need of urgent aid.

Sudan now faces the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with 6.3 million people seeking refuge within the country since the conflict began. An additional 1.7 million have fled to neighbouring countries.

Russian response

While the United States backs the resolution, Russia appears to side with the Sudanese government. Russia’s Deputy Representative, Anna Evstigneeva, welcomed recent government efforts to improve humanitarian access.

Evstigneeva emphasized the limitations of relying solely on aid deliveries from Chad. She called for increased deliveries through various government-controlled entry points.

“The Sudanese authorities have demonstrated a willingness to work towards a positive resolution,” she said. “We believe this can be the foundation for a comprehensive settlement.”

She urged the “other party involved” to compromise and prioritize Sudan’s national interests. This aligns with the Sudanese government’s position, which seeks to distance itself from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) labelled as “rebels”.

“It is no less important that the other party involved also embark on a path of compromise and be guided not by personal aspirations but by Sudan’s national interests,” Evstigneeva sid.

Algeria calls for coordinated peace efforts

Algeria, representing Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and itself, highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation and urged all Sudanese actors to declare an immediate ceasefire. They see the opportunity of Ramadan as a chance for appeasement and restraint, paving the way for lasting peace.

The representative also welcomed the facilitation of humanitarian access through border crossings and the announcement of new peace talks. However, they highlighted a lack of coordination between diplomatic efforts and stressed the importance of a unified approach, emphasizing the African Union’s role in resolving the crisis.

Additionally, they expressed concern about external actors potentially fueling the conflict and called for a firm condemnation of such interference.

(ST)