UNITED NATIONS: Rhino – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the UN Security Council on Monday to provide support to protect civilians in war-torn Sudan, but said conditions are not conducive to the deployment of a UN force there.
“The Sudanese people are living a nightmare of violence, with thousands of civilians killed and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assault,” Guterres told the council.
“Sudan is once again becoming a nightmare in terms of mass ethnic violence,” he said, referring to the conflict in the Darfur region nearly 20 years ago that led to the International Criminal Court charging former Sudanese leaders with genocide and crimes against humanity.
The RSF has previously denied harming civilians in Sudan and accused others of being responsible.
Guterres confirmed calls by Sudanese and human rights groups for increased measures to protect civilians, including the possible deployment of a neutral force, saying the move reflects the “gravity and urgency” of the situation.
“At the moment, conditions are not conducive to ensuring the successful deployment of a UN force to protect civilians in Sudan,” he told the council, but said he was ready to discuss other ways to reduce violence and protect civilians.
Guterres stated: “This may require new approaches adapted to the difficult conditions imposed by the conflict.”