The United Nations is warning that the health system in Sudan now faces total collapse. This after a 24-hour ceasefire that went into effect on Tuesday night failed to quell the fighting. The world body has also confirmed that the Secretary-General will participate in a virtual meeting hosted by the African Union on Thursday in an effort to secure an immediate de-escalation after the death toll, largely civilians, rose to more than 270.
The UN continues to warn of devastating consequences for the people of Sudan, their dire humanitarian needs exacerbated by attacks on aid workers and the looting of UN and humanitarian facilities in violation of international law.
After Tuesday’s 24-hour ceasefire failed to hold, with both military factions accusing the other of breaking the agreement, more pain for civilians caught up in this power struggle.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says, “We are worried that Sudan’s healthcare system could completely collapse. Hospitals need additional staff. They need additional supplies and they need additional blood supplies. The World Health Organisation says that 16 hospitals across the country have been forced to shut down completely because of the violence and attacks on hospitals. Nine of these hospitals are in the capital, Khartoum. Further, 16 hospitals, including in Darfur states, could close soon due to staff fatigue and lack of supplies. It goes without saying that we condemn all attacks on health professionals, on facilities and ambulances, which is putting even more lives at risk. These are flagrant violations of international law and they must stop.”
The UN also confirmed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ participation in a virtual meeting hosted by AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat Thursday, which will include the leadership of the Arab League and sub-regional body IGAD that appointed the Presidents of Kenya, South Sudan and Djibouti as mediators.
Guterres spoke with Kenya’s William Ruto earlier Wednesday as diplomatic efforts scale up amid the intransigence of the generals leading both military factions.
“He will continue to be fully engaged, making phone calls, trying to secure a 24-hour ceasefire, which will enable a much-needed reprieve to all affected civilians in Khartoum.”
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan who leads the Sudanese Armed Forces and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo who heads the Rapid Support Forces worked in tandem to oust former leader Omar al-Bashir, only to turn against each other four years later – as Dujarric explained the consequences of their actions.
“The continued heavy fighting in Sudan is having devastating consequences for Sudanese civilians, as well as our staff and other members of the international community who are caught in the crossfire. We reiterate to the parties to the conflict that they must respect international law. They are obliged to protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of all United Nations and associated personnel, as well as their premises. Our assets and trapped civilians must be able to receive assistance, access, essential supplies, and evacuate to safer zones as needed.”
Dujarric adds, “Nearly one third of the population was already in need of humanitarian aid at the start of the year. Now our humanitarian colleagues are warning that people in Sudan are running out of food, they are running out of fuel and they’re running out of other vital supplies.”
The SG’s Special Representative Volker Perthes in Khartoum continues to engage the warring parties, key Sudanese leaders and UN member states in effort to pressure the parties towards a cessation of hostilities just as Eid al-Fitr draws near.
Source: eNCA
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