The United Nations has appealed for three days ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which will allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to escape and seek medical treatment, food and other essential supplies in Sudan.
United Nation Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who made this known while responding to questions from Journalists after the meeting convened by African Union on the dramatic situation in Sudan on Thursday.
The meeting which brought together the UN delegates, the League of Arab States, IGAD (The Intergovernmental Authority on Development) and the European Union, representatives from a number of countries that are deeply committed to solving the crisis.
This fighting which has been going on for days between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has caused people across Sudan to continue sheltering in place, fearing for their lives, and running low on fuel, food, medicine, and water.
While it was reported that the death toll has been high, with estimated civilian fatalities of more than 300 and access to hospitals, vital medical services have been severely disrupted. Much of this fighting has occurred in urban areas, including Khartoum, the capital city.
The UN Chief said that there was a strong consensus on condemning the ongoing fighting in Sudan and calling for a cessation of hostilities, adding that the Sallah must be the first step in providing respite from the fighting and paving the way for a permanent ceasefire.
According to him, “I have been personally engaged in doing everything possible to make it happen. The cessation of hostilities must be followed by serious dialogue allowing for successful transition, starting with the appointment of a civilian government”.
He called to end the conflict. “The fighting must stop immediately. I am deeply concerned about the terrible toll on civilians, the appalling humanitarian situation, and the horrifying prospect of further escalation.
“Hundreds of people have been killed and injured. Fighting in urban areas particularly dangerous for civilians, including children, who’ve repeatedly been forced to shelter in schools and evacuate from hospitals under fire. This is completely outrageous”, he said.
UN Chief lamented that humanitarian operations are virtually impossible. “Warehouses, vehicles and other humanitarian assets have been attacked, looted and seized. Targeting humanitarian workers and assets must end”.
Guterres reminded all parties of their obligations under international law, including ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers. “I am also extremely worried about the situation of United Nations personnel, many of whom are trapped in their homes in areas of active conflict.
“We are doing everything in our power to be able to support them. I will continue to use my good offices, in close coordination with our partners, to establish a ceasefire, deescalate tensions and start political talks”, he promised.
When asked after two attempt of ceasefire which failed what will be the catalyst for this third attempt to succeed? The Secretary-General said both parties to the conflict are Muslims and this period is a very important moment in the Muslim calendar.
“This ceasefire is absolutely crucial at the present moment. We have been in contact with the parties, we believe it is possible, but everybody must be united in putting pressure for the ceasefire to take effectively place”, Guterres said.