Sudan – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the UN Security Council yesterday to provide the necessary support to protect civilians in Sudan.
While the Sudanese Ambassador to the United Nations, Al-Harith Idris Al-Harith Muhammad, affirmed the Sudanese government’s commitment to protecting civilians and facilitating the delivery of aid throughout the country.
Guterres told the council that the Sudanese people are living a nightmare of violence, with thousands of civilians killed and a huge number facing other unspeakable atrocities, adding that “Sudan is once again turning into a nightmare in terms of mass ethnic violence,” in reference to the conflict that the Darfur region witnessed in the west of the country. About 20 years ago.
He stressed the presence of calls by the Sudanese and human rights groups to increase measures to protect civilians, including the possible deployment of a neutral force, saying that this step reflects “the seriousness and urgency of the situation.”
But he stressed that at the present time the conditions are not conducive to ensuring the successful deployment of a UN force to protect civilians in Sudan, expressing his readiness to discuss other ways to reduce violence and protect civilians.
While the Sudanese face the atrocities of war, they also live in the shadow of widespread famine as a result of the scarcity of aid, as the United Nations says that 25 million people (half of Sudan’s population) need aid.
In this regard, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said before the Security Council that the lack of aid is not only related to insufficient funding, but also to the difficulty of delivering it to the Sudanese.
She stressed that the permit to operate at the Adre border crossing should be extended, other cross-border access routes should be opened, and access to airports should be facilitated for humanitarian purposes.
However, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, told the council that it was up to the Sudanese government to decide whether the Adre crossing would remain open, and that it would be “inappropriate to pressure” the government.
The Sudanese ambassador to the United Nations also said that the government is committed to facilitating the delivery of aid across the country, including areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces.
He added that 10 border crossings and 7 airports opened their doors to deliver aid.
However, he said that 30 trucks loaded with advanced weapons and ammunition passed through the Adre border crossing, which led to a dangerous escalation in El Fasher and other places.
He stated that thousands of what he described as “African mercenaries” entered Sudan through the Adre crossing, which he described as a real threat to national security.
The three-month approval granted by the Sudanese authorities to the United Nations and relief organizations to use the Adre border crossing with Chad to reach Darfur is scheduled to expire in mid-November.
The Sudanese UN ambassador also accused the Rapid Support Forces of using heavy weapons against unarmed civilians in the east of the island, saying that this led to the killing of about 260 civilians.
He pointed out that the Sudanese army avoided using heavy weapons in residential areas and adhered to the rules of engagement during the war.
The war broke out in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces before the transition to civilian rule, causing the largest displacement crisis in the world.
Source: Sudanese press + Reuters
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**Interview with Dr. Amina Hassan, Human Rights Expert and Sudan Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hassan. The situation in Sudan is dire, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Can you give us an overview of the current humanitarian crisis there?
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for having me. The crisis in Sudan is indeed alarming. As Guterres stated, the country is facing extensive violence, particularly affecting civilians. With over 25 million people requiring humanitarian aid, the essence of this crisis lies not only in the violence but also in the ensuing famine, stemming from both conflict and lack of access to resources.
**Editor:** Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a protective UN force. What are the challenges in deploying such a force?
**Dr. Hassan:** The challenges are multifaceted. While the concept of a neutral protective force may seem like an immediate solution, the conditions on the ground are precarious. The ongoing fighting makes it extremely difficult to guarantee the safety of peacekeepers, and there are concerns about their ability to operate effectively in a complex and hostile environment. Additionally, there are political sensitivities and discussions among member states that complicate the authorization of such a deployment.
**Editor:** The Sudanese ambassador assured the UN of the government’s commitment to protecting civilians and facilitating aid. How credible do you find this commitment, especially in light of recent escalations?
**Dr. Hassan:** It’s crucial to approach such assurances with caution. While the Sudanese government claims to facilitate aid delivery, there are reports of restrictions and violence against those trying to help. The mention of military equipment passing through the Adre crossing raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities. We have to consider whether they can adequately protect their civilians while dealing with military factions such as the Rapid Support Forces.
**Editor:** The U.S. Ambassador pointed out that the aid problem isn’t purely about funding but also access. What logistical issues do agencies face in delivering aid to those in need?
**Dr. Hassan:** The logistical hurdles are significant. The fighting obstructs traditional routes for delivering humanitarian aid, and many critical access points remain closed or dangerous. There’s also bureaucratic red tape; the Sudanese government controls which routes are open and how aid can be distributed, complicating aid agencies’ efforts to provide support. Moreover, there’s a severe lack of resources due to the ongoing conflict, which hampers coordinated efforts.
**Editor:** what steps can the international community take to further aid the civilians in Sudan?
**Dr. Hassan:** First, they need to advocate for the opening of humanitarian corridors and ensure safe passage for aid workers. Second, the international community should consider supportive measures that empower local organizations active on the ground. Lastly, there must be a concerted effort to engage all parties in dialogue to reach a ceasefire, as lasting peace is the only true resolution to the crisis.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insightful perspectives on the challenges facing Sudan. We appreciate your time and expertise.
**Dr. Hassan:** Thank you for bringing attention to this crucial issue. It’s imperative that we continue to spotlight the plight of the Sudanese people.
