UNITED NATIONS: United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the air strike that killed at least 22 people in Sudan Saturday, according to a statement.
At least 22 people were killed and many others injured in an air strike by Sudan’s army on western Omdurman city, the Khartoum state health ministry said Saturday, as the war between the country’s two military factions entered its 12th week.
The Secretary-General is also appalled by reports of large-scale violence and casualties across Sudan’s Darfur region, according to the statement released by his deputy spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq on Sunday. UNSG also offered his condolences to the victims’ families and expressed hopes for a speedy recovery to the dozens who were wounded, the statement added.
The Sudanese regular army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rival military group, have been battling since mid-April. Hundreds of people have been killed and around three million have been displaced, including to the neighbouring countries.
“He is also concerned about reports of renewed fighting in North Kordofan, South Kordofan and Blue Nile States. There is an utter disregard for humanitarian and human rights law that is dangerous and disturbing,” the deputy spokesperson said further.
Guterres remains deeply concerned that the ongoing war between the two sides has pushed Sudan to the brink of a full-scale civil war, potentially destabilizing the entire region, the statement pointed out. It said the UN boss reiterated his call for the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF to cease fighting and commit to a durable cessation of hostilities.
“He also urges these parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilians and to enable humanitarian action,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the UN continues to push for the cohesion of international efforts under the auspices of the African Union and welcomes the strong engagement of the East African bloc IGAD. —APP
