Escalation in Sudan: The United Nations calls for a real, inclusive dialogue to end the war

The Secretary-General urged all parties to refrain from actions that may have serious consequences for Sudan and the region, including serious economic and environmental consequences. He reminded it of its obligations under international law, including those related to protecting civilians, civilian infrastructure, and facilitating humanitarian access.

António Guterres said, in a press statement attributed to his spokesman, that Sudanese women, children and men are paying the price for the combatants’ continued offensive operations. He renewed his call for an urgent and genuine dialogue between the parties to the conflict, with the aim of reaching an immediate cessation of hostilities and sparing Sudanese civilians from further harm. He stressed that a permanent solution to the conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process.

The statement said that the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, continues to engage with the parties and all concerned parties to calm the conflict and promote an inclusive Sudanese-led dialogue to put a permanent end to the war.

Clementine Nkwete Salami, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sudan, expressed grave concern about reports of an imminent attack by the Rapid Support Forces in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, and about the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.

The Rapid Support Forces issued a statement on January 20, which included an ultimatum for forces allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces to leave El Fasher by noon on Wednesday, indicating an imminent attack. In its response, the Sudanese Armed Forces expressed their readiness to resist the attack.

Salami, who is also the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, appealed to all parties to the conflict to think about the many innocent lives at risk and urged them to reduce tensions.

The UN official also urged the parties to give priority to protecting civilians in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. She warned that increasing violence would only deepen the tragedy for civilians and hinder the prospects for peace and stability in Sudan.