UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council that civilians continued to endure worsening humanitarian conditions, severe economic hardship and collapsing basic services.
Drone and air strikes have reportedly hit civilian sites across Blue Nile, Red Sea and North Kordofan states, including a displacement camp, artisanal gold mine, educational facilities, courthouse, university residence and shelter for displaced families.
Humanitarian operations have also come under attack. An October 3 strike on two World Food Programme trucks carrying food assistance killed a driver. “Preventing further atrocities requires more than expressions of concern. It requires action,” DiCarlo said.
“The parties, and those who continue to enable, arm, finance or politically support them, must face far greater pressure to end this war.”
DiCarlo said continued weapons flows and recruitment of fighters increased the risk of further escalation. “Their calculations must change,” DiCarlo said, urging external actors to use influence to end rather than prolong the conflict.
DiCarlo called for the immediate cessation of drone attacks or, at minimum, strict operational arrangements regulating their use.
The UN is supporting efforts by the Quad to secure a humanitarian truce. Committees have also been established to consider unilateral detainee releases and negotiated prisoner exchanges.
The Sudan Consultative Group will meet in Geneva next week, bringing together the Quad, Quintet and other mediators to align peace initiatives.
China called for African-led mediation, while the US urged a humanitarian truce and an end to weapons entering Sudan.
Egypt said Cairo was assisting more than 1.5 million Sudanese and offered to help coordinate regional mediation efforts.
Sudan called for the military capabilities of the Rapid Support Forces to be dismantled and announced a preparatory committee for an inclusive national dialogue.
Sudan also demanded action against individuals and networks supplying weapons, financing and mercenaries.
Ethiopia rejected Sudanese allegations that arms had been smuggled into Ethiopian territory and called for a Sudanese-led political settlement.
Security Council members broadly supported civilian protection, unrestricted humanitarian access and coordinated diplomacy but remained divided over sanctions.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
