United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, declaring that nearly ten million citizens—representing over two-thirds of the nation’s population—now require urgent humanitarian assistance for survival. The stark assessment was delivered through deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, highlighting the severe toll exacted by the ongoing military confrontations.
The intensifying clashes between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have critically undermined humanitarian operations. Guterres detailed how relentless attacks, systematic looting, and the deliberate obstruction of supply routes have effectively paralyzed aid delivery systems. Essential services are collapsing across the country, creating life-threatening conditions for civilians caught in the conflict.
In a particularly severe condemnation, the UN chief referenced specific incidents of violence against humanitarian assets, including the hijacking of vehicles—among them an ambulance—and targeted assaults on medical facilities. A World Food Programme convoy and offices of child protection organizations were also attacked, further degrading the capacity to provide critical care.
The conflict has triggered massive population displacement, with latest figures indicating more than 370,000 individuals forcibly driven from their homes since the beginning of the year. This mass movement of people, coupled with deteriorating sanitary conditions, has raised alarms about an imminent cholera outbreak that could compound the existing humanitarian emergency.
Guterres issued an unequivocal call to all warring parties, demanding an immediate cessation of military operations and the initiation of dialogue to de-escalate tensions. He emphasized the non-negotiable obligation to respect international humanitarian law, ensure civilian protection, and establish secure, uninterrupted humanitarian access corridors to prevent further catastrophic loss of life.