Rhino: Agencies – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday expressed concern over the escalation of violence in Sudan, calling on the international community to take immediate action.

‘I am particularly concerned about the ongoing war in Sudan, where we are witnessing indiscriminate attacks against civilians, horrific sexual violence against women and girls, and humanitarian workers being prevented, attacked and killed,’ Guterres said in a speech ahead of a UN civil society conference.

Guterich warned that violent clashes in El Fasher, North Darfur, are preventing the delivery of aid, and that an attack on the city will have dire consequences and is likely to lead to the rupture and spread of the conflict throughout Darfur.

He added: ‘I am deeply concerned about reports of escalating violence in North and South Kordofan and Gezira states, and I call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, protect civilians and facilitate full and unrestricted humanitarian access.

The UN Secretary-General stressed the need to end the war, and called for coordinated international efforts to implement a political process that can put Sudan back on track.

‘I welcome the steps taken to end the conflict, including the efforts made by IGAD, the African Union and the League of Arab States through the Jeddah Platform,’ he added.

He announced that the UN, and in particular his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, will continue to work closely with all parties to promote coordinated efforts towards a comprehensive and lasting peace.

The Sudanese army and the RSF have been fighting since April 2023, resulting in 15,000 deaths and more than 8 million displaced people and refugees, according to the United Nations.

Since the start of the civil war, thousands of homes, schools, hospitals and government institutions have been destroyed, plunging the country into a severe humanitarian crisis and creating the largest displacement crisis in the world.