Why is the UN Chief Urging an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities in Sudan?

United Nations, May 1 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his appeal for an immediate halt to hostilities in Sudan and has called on the global community to act swiftly to put an end to the ongoing suffering and devastation in the nation.

The UN Chief expressed his horror at the increasingly dire situation in Sudan's North Darfur State, where lethal assaults persist in the capital, Al Fasher. This comes just two weeks after attacks on the famine-affected Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including humanitarian workers, according to a statement from Stephane Dujarric, the Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

With over 400,000 individuals estimated to have fled the Zamzam camp alone earlier this month, Guterres voiced deep concern over reports of harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detentions of displaced individuals at checkpoints.

Despite persistent insecurity and significant funding shortages, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are striving to urgently enhance emergency support in the Tawila region of North Darfur, where many displaced individuals from Zamzam are finding refuge, Dujarric reported, as covered by the Xinhua news agency.

Violence against civilians persists in other regions of Sudan as well, with reports of mass killings in Omdurman in Khartoum State in recent days.

As the conflict enters its third year and increasingly threatens regional stability, the UN Chief reiterates the need for safe and unrestricted humanitarian access to all areas in need through all possible routes, in addition to the protection of civilians, in accordance with the parties' obligations under international humanitarian law. Those responsible for serious violations must face accountability, stated the Spokesman.

Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced on Wednesday that additional humanitarian supplies are being sent to Tawila, where over 300,000 people fleeing recent attacks in the Zamzam camp have sought refuge.

OCHA noted that an inter-agency aid convoy led by the deputy humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Antoine Gerard, crossed into the Darfur region from Chad on Tuesday via the Adre border crossing, en route to Tawila, carrying life-saving supplies, including dignity kits, nutrition, medical supplies, and other essential items.

Another convoy of 19 trucks carrying nutrition supplies is expected to depart Chad for Tawila on Wednesday, the office reported.