WFP/M.Abdelhakim About 18 million people in Sudan are at risk of famine. Sudan: UN special envoy warns of growing threats to civilians Peace and Security
Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan Pekka Haavisto expressed alarm at the escalation of violence in the El Obeid area. He warned that further military escalation could endanger the lives of thousands of civilians and worsen the already massive humanitarian crisis in the country.
Aggravation in El Obeid
Speaking to reporters at UN headquarters in New York, Haavisto said the situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, has become increasingly worrying in recent days amid fighting and frequent drone strikes.
“We are concerned about the ongoing fighting around the city, including frequent drone attacks,” he said. “They affect civilians and interfere with the delivery of humanitarian aid. Any further escalation will put the lives of thousands of people at risk.”
We are concerned about the ongoing fighting around the city, including frequent drone attacks
The envoy drew parallels with previous crises in Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region and El Fasher region, where violence against civilians led to humanitarian disasters. “Unfortunately, the situation is somewhat reminiscent of previous developments in Darfur and around El Fasher and indicates immediate risks to civilians,” he said.
Haavisto said he had a telephone conversation with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, leader of the Rapid Reaction Force, on Friday to discuss the situation in El Obeid. The envoy said Dagalo assured him that civilians would not be targeted. “He confirmed to me that he has no intention of harming civilians and plans to protect humanitarian corridors. Now our task is to monitor the fulfillment of these promises as closely as possible,” said Haavisto.The envoy stressed that the conflict across Sudan continues with no signs of abating, and the increasing use of drones is adding a dangerous new dimension to the war. “The use of drones is increasing, with attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure on the rise,” he noted.
Haavisto also pointed out that the drones being used are not manufactured in Sudan.
Political negotiations resumed for the first time in three years
Despite the ongoing violence, Haavisto called the resumption of political dialogue a positive sign. He said the so-called “five” international mediators – the African Union, the Intergovernmental Development Organization, the Arab League, the European Union and the UN – were able to organize meetings between representatives of Sudanese political parties, community groups and civil society.
The first meeting took place earlier this year in Berlin, followed by negotiations in Addis Ababa. “This is the first time in three years that political parties and political forces have come together to try to find common ground and advance the peace process in Sudan. This in itself is good news,” he said. The envoy said he would continue consultations with Sudanese stakeholders and regional players, including trips to Nairobi and contacts with the authorities of Chad, South Sudan and Uganda.
Haavisto also reaffirmed UN support for the efforts of the Quartet – the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt – to achieve a humanitarian truce. “We hope that the Quartet will be able to move forward on the issue of a humanitarian truce, which will significantly improve the situation of civilians on the ground,” he said. end of the conflict, Haavisto admitted that both sides still expect to achieve success through military means. “It seems that the parties still believe that they can achieve something through military means. Unfortunately, the conflict continues as long as someone believes in the possibility of military victory,” he noted. envoy, more regional governments are rejecting the idea of a military solution. “It was a very clear message: no one believes that this conflict can be ended militarily,” he said, recalling his recent trips to the Persian Gulf.
The UN representative noted the resilience of Sudanese civilians, citing the example of women who, having survived difficult experiences, continue to advocate for reconciliation, as well as residents of parts of the capital who are beginning to restore everyday life life.
“Even after conflict, people retain an amazing ability to invest in rebuilding their lives and finding sources of livelihood,” Haavisto said. “That’s what gives us some hope in this desperate situation.”