UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has delivered a stark message, asserting that the Sudan war’s third anniversary marks a “tragic milestone” in a conflict that has decimated a nation of immense potential. Speaking to an international donors’ meeting in Berlin via video, Guterres underscored that the ongoing conflict has spiraled into the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis,” necessitating urgent global attention and action. His address served as a powerful plea for an immediate end to the hostilities, emphasizing the devastating human cost and the escalating suffering endured by millions.
The Secretary-General highlighted continually emerging “credible allegations of the gravest international crimes” plaguing Sudan. He specifically pointed to the terrorization of women and girls, noting the prevalence of “systematic sexual violence,” which has left families and communities utterly devastated. Guterres warned that the ramifications of the conflict are not contained within Sudan’s borders, but are actively “destabilising the wider region,” underscoring the broader geopolitical risks associated with its continuation. He firmly declared, “This nightmare must end,” urging the international community to recognize the profound and widespread impact of the war.
Guterres issued a critical call for unimpeded and safe access for humanitarian workers, stressing the necessity for them to carry out their life-saving missions without obstruction. Concurrently, he pressed for humanitarian operations to be fully funded, acknowledging the immense financial needs required to address the crisis effectively. However, he clarified that while vital, “funding alone cannot substitute for peace,” highlighting that financial aid, without a political resolution, is merely a stopgap measure in a deteriorating situation.
Concluding his impassioned address, the UN chief demanded “an immediate cessation of hostilities” to bring an end to the brutal violence. He also pointed a finger at external actors, insisting that “external interference and the flow of arms that fuel this war must finally end.” This comprehensive appeal seeks to tackle both the symptoms and root causes of the conflict, calling for a multi-faceted approach involving financial support, humanitarian access, and a definitive political resolution to restore peace and stability to Sudan and the wider region.
