Ramadan: UN urgently calls for ceasefire in Sudan

The United Nations Security Council, with the support of fourteen nations, proposed a resolution on Friday, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan.

The resolution, backed by Britain, addresses the escalating conflict between the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The conflict, which has been ongoing since April 15, 2023, has resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions. With conditions worsening, the Security Council’s resolution urges all parties involved to pursue a sustainable resolution through dialogue.

The text of the resolution emphasizes an “immediate cessation of hostilities” to coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, the resolution calls for unrestricted humanitarian access across borders and battle lines.

Sudan’s ambassador to the UN expressed cautious approval from General Burhan but raised concerns about enforcing the ceasefire, particularly if RSF forces persist in attacking civilian areas. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a Security Council meeting, called on all parties in Sudan to honor the values of Ramadan by observing a cessation of hostilities, aiming for a lasting peace for the Sudanese people.

Guterres highlighted the looming humanitarian crisis of “colossal proportions” and a potential “road to famine.” The British government, echoing the Secretary-General’s appeal, announced its intention to seek the resolution.

However, Russia abstained from the vote, criticizing Britain’s initiative as hypocritical. Russia argued that the Security Council had failed to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza due to Washington’s repeated use of its veto.

UN aid chief Martin Griffiths emphasized the urgent need to improve humanitarian access in Sudan, regardless of the ceasefire. He highlighted the extraordinary challenges faced by aid teams and urged all parties to engage in talks. The conflict has now displaced 8.3 million people, with 1.7 million seeking refuge abroad.

Griffiths warned that half of Sudan’s 50 million people require humanitarian aid, and nearly 18 million are on the brink of famine.

To avert further deterioration, he stressed the need for additional food supplies and seeds for future harvests. Unfortunately, the UN’s $2.7 billion humanitarian response plan for Sudan in 2024 is currently only 4 percent funded, with Griffiths pleading, “We have no money, and we want to put Sudan on the map.”