Rhino: Agencies – A periodic report to the UN Security Council stated that the war in Sudan has entered a phase closer to a long-term “war of attrition,” as the flow of weapons and external support to the warring parties continues, and what was described as a de facto division of control areas between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has solidified.
The monthly report, released on June 1, explained that the conflict, now in its fourth year, is seeing an escalation on several fronts, particularly in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, coinciding with the expanded use of drones and advanced weapons, which increases the risk of the war’s repercussions spreading to neighboring countries.
It added that the ongoing fighting has led to further disintegration of state institutions and weakened already fragile governance structures, at a time when regional and international efforts have so far failed to achieve tangible progress toward a negotiated settlement or a sustainable ceasefire.
The report noted that differences among Security Council members continue to hinder the adoption of unified positions on a number of issues related to the conflict, including the protection of civilians and accountability mechanisms for violations of international humanitarian law, despite their agreement on the need to cease hostilities and ensure humanitarian access.
The report warned of a continuing humanitarian deterioration, noting that 19.5 million people face high levels of acute food insecurity, including 135,000 in catastrophic conditions.
The report also noted that humanitarian access continues to face significant restrictions due to insecurity and logistical and administrative obstacles, while several areas in Darfur and Kordofan remain at risk of famine.
On the human rights front, the report noted growing concerns about the impact of drones on civilians and civilian infrastructure, amid UN reports indicating a rise in the number of civilian casualties linked to such attacks in recent months.
The Security Council is expected to receive the periodic briefing on the situation in Sudan in June, which is presented every 120 days.
The Council is also expected to receive a briefing this month on the work of the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1591 on Sudan. However, as of the time of this report’s preparation, the Committee’s chair had not yet been appointed, as Council members have not yet reached an agreement on the distribution of the chairmanships of the Council’s subsidiary bodies for the current year.
