UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his shock over the devastating impact of drone attacks on civilians in Sudan. The latest attack occurred on Monday, when a drone strike hit a market in the city of Nyala, killing 102 people and injuring 113 others. Guterres' spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the Secretary-General strongly condemns the escalation of drone attacks in Sudan, which have resulted in a significant loss of civilian life.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, with the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaging in fierce battles. The use of drones has become increasingly prevalent, with both sides employing them in attacks that have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions. According to the UN, at least 1,100 people were killed in drone attacks across Sudan during the first half of this year.
The drone attack on Nyala market is just one example of the devastating consequences of the conflict. The city is controlled by the RSF, and the attack has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Human rights groups have reported that the conflict has resulted in one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent years, with widespread famine and displacement.
Guterres has called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged the parties to engage in good-faith negotiations to resolve the conflict. He has also emphasized the need to protect civilians and vital infrastructure, and to respect international humanitarian law. The UN has warned that the conflict could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security.
The conflict in Sudan has also had a significant impact on the country's economy and infrastructure. The UN has reported that the conflict has resulted in widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water treatment facilities. The crisis has also led to a severe shortage of food, water, and medical supplies.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence in Sudan and the humanitarian crisis it has created. The UN Security Council has called for an end to hostilities and urged the parties to engage in negotiations. The African Union has also launched an initiative to mediate the conflict and restore peace to the country.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The UN and other aid agencies are working to provide emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care. However, the security situation remains volatile, and aid workers face significant challenges in delivering assistance to those in need.
Key points
- The UN Secretary-General has expressed shock over the civilian casualties from drone attacks in Sudan and called for an end to hostilities.
- The conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
- The international community has called for an end to hostilities and urged the parties to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict.
