AND Secretary General António Guterres “takes note of the peace initiative,” its spokesperson said on Friday, emphasizing that “pursuing sustainable and inclusive peace is essential as the conflict enters a new year.”
He called on the parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and work towards a lasting ceasefire that preserves Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity, and urged Sudanese actors to “Prioritize compromises and formulate a shared vision for a citizen-led transition.”
That of the Secretary General Personal Envoy to SudanRamtane Lamamra remains ready to promote consultations with both sides to help achieve an inclusive and sustainable solution, complementing the ongoing efforts of Member States and regional partners.
Peacekeepers withdraw after deadly attack
The push for peace comes amid serious security concerns on the ground.
This weekend is the UN peacekeeping mission in the oil-rich region of Abyei – which straddles Sudan and South Sudan – completed the evacuation of its logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, ending almost 13 years of operations at the site.
The withdrawal followed drone strikes on December 13 that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and nine others seriously injured. The remains of the dead have been repatriated, while eight injured people are being treated in Kenya.
The Kadugli base served as the headquarters of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM), which oversees a secure demilitarized border zone established by Sudan and South Sudan in 2012.
UNISFA continues to operate from other locations including Tishwin and Abu Qussa.
Humanitarian needs are increasing
Beyond the battlefield, humanitarian needs continue to increase.
A recent UN-led study found that female-headed households across Sudan face increased vulnerability, including reduced access to cash, education and water services, and greater exposure to displacement and protection risks.
Senior UN officials warned about this during Monday’s Security Council meeting The intensification of fighting – especially in Kordofan and Darfur – has led to mass displacementdisrupted access to aid and worsened already catastrophic conditions for civilians.
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has entered its third year and has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, killing thousands of civilians, displacing millions and causing famine in several areas.
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