United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Monday for their violent actions against civilians in Sudan. He called for immediate measures to safeguard innocent lives and ensure that those responsible for war crimes are held accountable.
During a session of the UN Security Council, Guterres referred to “horrifying” accounts of RSF attacks on civilians in El Fasher and indiscriminate airstrikes conducted by the SAF in populated areas. He highlighted alarming reports of mass killings and sexual violence occurring in Al Jazirah State in eastern Sudan.
Guterres also stressed the urgent need to halt the influx of weapons into Sudan, which he claimed is exacerbating the ongoing conflict. While he acknowledged calls for the establishment of a protective force, he stated that the conditions necessary for the deployment of UN troops have not yet been met.
Since April of last year, over 11 million people have been displaced from their homes, with nearly 3 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Furthermore, around 600,000 individuals were affected by severe floods and heavy rains this past summer.
In response to Guterres’ remarks, Sudan’s UN Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss attributed the violence to the RSF and its political allies, as well as regional supporters. He accused them of breaching international law and hindering humanitarian efforts. The ambassador noted instances where civilians sought refuge with the SAF or even joined their ranks in self-defense.
Ambassador Idriss reiterated Sudan’s dedication to protecting civilians and laid out a strategy emphasizing political engagement, accountability, support for peace initiatives, adherence to international humanitarian law, and facilitating humanitarian access.
Guterres urged the Security Council to endorse innovative strategies aimed at mitigating violence and safeguarding civilians in Sudan, adapting to the complexities of the conflict. He underscored the necessity for safe and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and called on the conflicting parties to honor their commitments to protect civilians and engage in dialogue.
Idris proposed a reevaluation of the dominant narrative framing the situation as a struggle between two factions within Sudan. He argued that the conflict should be recognized as an instance of external aggression, supported by regional actors.
He asserted, “Sudan is experiencing aggression backed by both regional and international players. Viewing the situation merely as a conflict between two internal factions misrepresents the reality and obstructs any potential resolution.”