This call follows a peace initiative presented by the transitional Prime Minister of Sudan during a Security Council meeting earlier this week.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres “takes note of the peace initiative,” its spokesperson said on Friday, stressing that “the search for lasting and inclusive peace is essential as the conflict enters a new year.»
He called on the parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and work towards a lasting ceasefire that preserves the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, urging Sudanese actors to “prioritize compromise and articulate a shared vision for a civilian-led transition.»
The Secretary General Personal envoy for SudanRamtane Lamamra, remains ready to advance consultations with both parties to help ensure an inclusive and lasting resolution, complementing the ongoing efforts of Member States and regional partners.
Peacekeepers withdraw after deadly attack
The peace effort comes against a backdrop of serious security setbacks on the ground.
This weekend, the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei oil region – which straddles Sudan and South Sudan – has completed the evacuation of its logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, ending nearly 13 years of operations at the site.
The withdrawal followed drone attacks on December 13 that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and seriously injured nine other people. The remains of those killed have been repatriated, while eight of the injured are being treated in Kenya.
The Kadugli base served as the headquarters of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM), which monitors a demilitarized and secure border zone established by Sudan and South Sudan in 2012.
UNISFA continues to operate from other locations, including Tishwin and Abu Qussa.
Humanitarian needs are increasing
Beyond the battlefield, humanitarian needs continue to increase.
A recent UN-led assessment shows that female-headed households face increased vulnerability across Sudan, including reduced access to cash, education and water services, and greater exposure to displacement and protection risks.
At Monday’s Security Council meeting, senior UN officials warned that intensified fighting – particularly in Kordofan and Darfur – has led to massive displacementdisrupted access to aid and worsened already catastrophic conditions for civilians.
In its third year, the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has precipitated one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, killing thousands of civilians, displacing millions and triggering famine conditions in several regions.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
