Guterres senses danger of conflict spreading in Darfur on tribal grounds

Guterres senses danger of conflict spreading in Darfur on tribal grounds
The UN Secretary-General's warning about the risks of conflict expansion on tribal bases in Darfur reflects the complexity of the Sudanese crisis, where political conflicts intertwine with social and
September 22, 2024, 1:02 am

غوتيريش \ تعبيرية \ متداول

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sounded an alarm about the consequences of any additional escalation that could lead to the spread of tribal-based fighting across Darfur.

Guterres urged the head of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately cease attacks on El Fasher in Sudan's Darfur region. He expressed deep concern over recurring reports of a large-scale attack by the RSF on the city.

A UN spokesperson said on Saturday that Guterres is "deeply disturbed" by reports of a comprehensive attack launched by Sudanese RSF on El Fasher city, adding that he appealed to their leader to order an immediate halt to the aggression.

The UN Security Council had discussed on Wednesday the humanitarian catastrophe currently afflicting Sudan after more than 16 months since the outbreak of war.

Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, addressed the calamities Sudan is enduring. She stated, "The current wave of fighting is the latest episode of violence in El Fasher, coming amid a months-long siege and offensive by the RSF against the city."

She added, "This situation has led to horrific levels of civilian suffering, including famine-like conditions in Zamzam camp south of El Fasher, as well as other locations."

Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023 when escalating tensions between the army and the RSF erupted into a fierce war across the country.

The capital Khartoum and other urban areas have been turned into battlefields due to the conflict, with civilian infrastructure and the already fragile healthcare system collapsing, and several hospitals and medical facilities closing due to lack of essential supplies.

Sudan, which has suffered from the scourges of internal conflict and climate change, is in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

The UN's 2024 Humanitarian Needs Overview report predicts that about 9 million people - 73 percent of Sudan's population - will be in dire need of humanitarian assistance during 2024.

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