A total of 4.000 personnel from ten UN agencies have had to interrupt most programs in Sudan due to the fighting that started on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

United Nations intelligence services in Geneva also confirmed that its staff – 800 of whom are international – are unable to enter or leave the country due to the conflict.

In addition, the organization reported that the crossfire damaged a UN Humanitarian Air Service plane that was parked at Khartoum airport, the epicenter of fighting between the armed forces and the paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). .

"This could seriously affect our ability to access the most remote areas of Sudan where the needs are greatest."

UN spokespeople in Geneva confirmed that it was " crucial " to be able to resume their work in the country as quickly as possible to help the people who need it most at this time.

According to the UN, a third of Sudanese – around 16 million people – were in need of humanitarian assistance earlier this year, of which nearly 3,7 million were internally displaced.

To date, the UN and more than 80 non-governmental organizations have been present in the North African country as part of more than 250 programs for various humanitarian purposes.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, today called for the cessation of hostilities in the country and urged the belligerents to sit down at the negotiating table.

Clashes began on Saturday between the armed forces, commanded by the country's de facto leader since the October 2021 coup d'état, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, known as "Hemedti ”, who jointly orchestrated the 2021 coup, but who in the meantime became enemies.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 270 people have died and around 2.000 have been injured since the outbreak of violence.

Despite appeals made at the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Japan, by the UN and the US, " to put an immediate end to the violence ," fighting continued in the Sudanese capital.

According to Arab media, the two parties agreed on a 24-hour ceasefire, starting later this afternoon.

The violence has driven thousands of people to remain in their homes or shelters, with supplies running out and several hospitals closing services.

What do you think about this crisis in Africa? Do you think this situation in Sudan will be temporary or could it escalate into Civil War? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.

See also:

Deadly clashes in Sudan: 60 civilians killed

Africa: Impact of Ukraine war grows

3 out of 4 countries in Africa invest in weapons instead of agriculture

Stop suffocating Africa, says Pope Francis

Pope encourages desire for peace in South Sudan

Picture: © 2023 REUTERS