UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Sudan’s warring factions to halt hostilities immediately and begin negotiations to ease the suffering of civilians, speaking Monday at a Security Council meeting in New York.
Guterres appealed to both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to commit to local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses, which he said could pave the way for broader peace efforts.
The UN leader said the parties must protect civilians and comply with human rights and international humanitarian law, calling it the responsibility of both parties to the conflict to guarantee safety and begin negotiations.
He noted that the UN remains ready to support such protections while helping stabilize the region through active diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
Guterres also said humanitarian aid must not be restricted. Despite ongoing challenges with respect to access and funding, he said the UN and its partners have reached nearly 12 million people in Sudan with essential services such as clean water, shelter, healthcare, and emergency nutrition since January. The assistance covers both immediate needs and more long-term essentials such as education and sanitation.
The Secretary-General expressed concern, however, over the limited funding for Sudan’s humanitarian needs. Of the USD 2.7 billion requested, only 56% has been raised.
The lack of availability of refugee aid is even more dire, as a regional intervention plan faces critical shortages. He urged international donors to provide increased and flexible funding to close the gaps and sustain relief efforts in Sudan.