UNITED NATIONS, February 15 (WSH) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the international community to urgently increase funding and diplomatic efforts to alleviate the suffering of millions of Sudanese facing hunger and displacement as rival military factions continue their devastating conflict.
A Catastrophe of “Staggering Scale”
Speaking at a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa on February 14, Guterres described the crisis in Sudan as a humanitarian disaster of “staggering scale and brutality”, warning that its impact is spilling over into the wider region.
“This is a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention,” he stated, emphasizing the need for civilian protection, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a halt to the influx of weapons fueling the war.
Escalating Humanitarian Emergency
Nearly 22 months of conflict between Sudan’s Government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster:
- 30 million people across Sudan require assistance and protection.
- Over 12 million people have been displaced, with 3.3 million fleeing to neighboring countries.
- Food insecurity is at critical levels, with nearly 25 million Sudanese suffering from acute hunger.
- Less than 25% of health facilities in conflict-hit areas remain operational.
$6 Billion Humanitarian Response Plan
In response to the crisis, the UN and its humanitarian partners are preparing to launch two major response plans to support Sudan and affected neighboring countries. These initiatives will require a total of $6 billion to assist nearly 26 million people in dire need.
“These UN-coordinated appeals far exceed any we have launched for Sudan and the region,” Guterres noted, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
Despite immense challenges, local responders and civil society organizations, including women-led groups, continue to risk their lives to deliver aid and services to affected communities.
Push for a Ceasefire and Political Solution
Guterres reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire and protection of civilians, revealing that his Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is actively engaging with both warring parties to advance peace efforts.
He emphasized the importance of fully implementing the Jeddah Declaration, an agreement brokered by Saudi Arabia and the United States that outlines commitments to protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, and working towards a ceasefire.
Global Solidarity Ahead of Ramadan
With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, Guterres urged world leaders to leverage their influence to push for peace and increased humanitarian aid.
“At this blessed time for peace, compassion, giving, and solidarity, I urge all of you to use your tremendous leverage for good,” he stated.
“We must do more – and do more now – to help the people of Sudan out of this nightmare.”
Broader Diplomatic Engagements
While in Addis Ababa, Guterres also participated in the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council meetings, discussing crises in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Reaffirming that there is no military solution to the Sudan conflict, he stressed the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities. On DRC, he called for the swift implementation of agreements reached at the recent Joint Summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Additionally, Guterres held bilateral discussions with African leaders, including the Presidents of Kenya, Rwanda, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki.
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