Guterres Calls for Three-Day Eid Truce in Sudan

United Nations (New York) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday appealed for warring parties in Sudan to observe a ceasefire for at least three days.

In a press conference, he stated, “This will enable civilians trapped in conflict zones to seek medical care, food, and other essential supplies.” Following a virtual meeting on the problem called by the African Union (AU), he called for the gun silencers to be put away for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the end of Ramadan.

He told journalists in New York, “This must be the first step in providing respite from the fighting and opening the way for a permanent ceasefire.”

The UN, the League of Arab States, IGAD, the East African bloc, and nations committed to ending hostilities in Sudan, where competing military factions have been engaged in a power struggle for nearly a week, attended the AU conference.

Since then, hundreds of people have died, including kids. Attacks and looting have prevented humanitarians from doing life-saving operations, according to the UN.

According to Mr. Guterres, a genuine debate must take place once hostilities end in order to facilitate a smooth transition, beginning with the installation of a civilian administration.

Additionally, he denounced the targeting of assistance workers and assets and reminded the parties of their obligations under international law, particularly the need to protect aid workers’ safety and security.

“I’m also extremely worried about the situation of United Nations personnel, many of whom are trapped in their homes in areas of active conflict. We are doing everything in our power to be able to support them,” he continued.

Clashes between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on Saturday. Most of the fighting has been in the capital, where residents have been trapped in their homes for days.

Read Also: Gunfire sounds during ‘armistice’ on 4th day of Sudan battles

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