UN Secretary-General Urges Immediate Ceasefire Amid Escalating Sudan Conflict

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict, especially after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city of El Fasher in North Darfur.

"Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped by this siege," Guterres stated during a press conference in Doha, Qatar. "People are dying of malnutrition, disease and violence."

The RSF's entry into El Fasher has led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation, including the collapse of the last functioning maternity hospital and the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians. Reports indicate that more than 6,200 pregnant women are among those trapped without access to medical or humanitarian aid.

The United Nations Security Council has condemned the RSF's assault on El Fasher, expressing deep concern over the increased likelihood of large-scale atrocities, including those that may be ethnically motivated.

Guterres emphasized the need to halt the flow of weapons into Sudan and called for international accountability mechanisms to address the crimes being committed.

The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with aid organizations struggling to respond due to limited access and ongoing violence.