Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-03-08 07:24:59
On March 7, 2024, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres made a plea for the cessation of hostilities during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan in war-torn Sudan. Guterres emphasized the importance of honoring the values of Ramadan by implementing a temporary halt to fighting, with the ultimate goal of achieving lasting peace for the Sudanese people. He addressed the Security Council, highlighting the need for the values of Ramadan to prevail in the country.
The conflict in Sudan, which began a year ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in thousands of casualties and forced over 8 million individuals from their homes. Guterres expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate and create regional instability extending from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. The true death toll is likely higher than the reported 14,000 deaths, and Sudan currently faces the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with 6.3 million people internally displaced and an additional 1.7 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
The ongoing conflict has devastated civilian infrastructure, disrupted essential services, and left more than 70% of health facilities non-functional in conflict-affected areas. The education of millions of children has been disrupted, and basic necessities such as water and sanitation are becoming increasingly scarce. The UN warns of a growing crisis of food insecurity, with 18 million people in Sudan facing acute food shortages during the harvest season.
Guterres emphasized the potential of a Ramadan cessation of hostilities to alleviate the suffering in Sudan and pave the way for sustainable peace. He commended regional and international efforts, including those of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to find a resolution to the conflict in Sudan. The UN is prepared to collaborate with multilateral partners, such as the African Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States, and key member states, to facilitate a durable cessation of hostilities and promote effective international mediation that involves regional players with influence over the warring factions.
The UN estimates that half of Sudan’s population, approximately 25 million people, are in need of life-saving assistance. Guterres urged for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and support the legitimate aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful and secure future.
In conclusion, as the world approaches the month of Ramadan, the call for a cessation of hostilities in Sudan stands as a beacon of hope for the millions affected by the conflict. The international community must unite to provide assistance, support, and facilitate a path towards lasting peace and stability in Sudan.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
