UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the recent surge in drone attacks targeting civilians in Sudan. In a statement released on Saturday, Guterres expressed his deep concern over the escalating violence, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including women and children, across the country and in the border region of Abyei. The attacks have been described as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
According to reports, the drone attacks have intensified in recent weeks, with one of the deadliest incidents occurring in the city of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. On October 27, a market in Nyala was bombed, killing 102 people and injuring 113 others, according to the human rights group "Emergency Lawyers." The attack was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which controls the city.
The UN has reported that at least 1,100 people have been killed in drone attacks in Sudan during the first half of 2023. The death toll from aerial attacks in October alone has exceeded 300, with many more injured or displaced. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has been ongoing since April 2023, resulting in what humanitarian organizations describe as one of the worst famine and displacement crises in the world.
Guterres called on both parties to the conflict to protect civilians and essential services, and to agree to an immediate ceasefire as a first step towards ending the war. He also urged them to engage in good-faith negotiations to reach a sustainable political settlement. The UN is ready to support such efforts, Guterres said, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in widespread destruction and human suffering. In addition to the casualties, many civilians have been displaced or are facing severe food shortages. The UN has warned of an impending famine in the country, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The situation in Sudan remains dire, with no clear end to the violence in sight.
The Sudanese army and the RSF have not yet responded to Guterres' statement. The international community has been urging both parties to negotiate a ceasefire and end the violence. The African Union and other regional organizations have been involved in efforts to mediate the conflict, but so far, no lasting peace agreement has been reached.
The UN's condemnation of the drone attacks on civilians in Sudan highlights the need for an immediate end to the violence. With the humanitarian situation continuing to deteriorate, international pressure on both parties to the conflict is mounting. The UN's call for a ceasefire and negotiations offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- Over 300 civilians killed in drone attacks in Sudan in October alone
- UN reports at least 1,100 killed in drone attacks in Sudan during first half of 2023
- Guterres calls for immediate ceasefire and negotiations to end conflict
