The UN has urged Sudans warring parties to pursue compromise and an immediate ceasefire, even as drone attacks, displacement and the killing of peacekeepers underscore the growing risks to civilians and humanitarians.
The war in Sudan is entering a deadlier phase, the United Nations has warned, as intensified fighting in the Kordofan region, mounting civilian casualties from drone strikes and growing risks of regional spillover push the conflict toward the 1,000-day mark.
The appeal follows a peace initiative presented by Sudans Transitional Prime Minister during aSecurity Councilmeeting earlier this week.
UNSecretary-General Antnio Guterrestakes note of the peace initiative, his spokesperson said on Friday, stressing thatthe pursuit of lasting 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 toward a lasting ceasefire that preserves Sudans unity and territorial integrity, urging Sudanese actors toprioritise compromise and articulate a shared vision for a civilian-led transition.
The Secretary-GeneralsPersonal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, remains ready to advance consultations with both parties to help secure an inclusive and sustainable resolution, complementing ongoing efforts by Member States and regional partners.
Peacekeepers withdraw after deadly attack
The push for peace comes amid serious security setbacks on the ground.
This weekend, theUN peacekeeping mission in the oil-rich region of Abyeiwhich straddles Sudan and South Sudan completed the evacuation of its logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, ending nearly 13 years of operations at the site.
The withdrawal followeddrone attacks on 13 December that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepersand seriously injured nine others. The remains of those killed have been repatriated, while eight of the wounded are receiving treatment in Kenya.
The Kadugli base served as the headquarters of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM), which monitors a safe 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 mount
Beyond the battlefield, humanitarian needs continue to rise.
A recent UN-led assessment shows that female-headed households face heightened vulnerability across Sudan, including reduced access to cash, education and water services, and greater exposure to displacement and protection risks.
At Mondays Security Council meeting, senior UN officials warned thatintensified fighting particularly in Kordofan and Darfur has driven mass displacement, disrupted aid access and worsened already catastrophic conditions for civilians.
Into its third year, the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has precipitated one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, claiming thousands of civilian lives, displacing millions and triggering famine conditions in several areas.
