United Nations (TDI): Pakistan has urged for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire in Sudan, as violence between the warring factions persists, warning that both internal divisions and external interventions could lead to the destruction of nations.
Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the need for the parties to seek a lasting political resolution through dialogue, during his address told the UN Security Council on Monday, stressing that the war will not be resolved on the battlefield as it will only bring more death and destruction for Sudan.
“The bloodshed and brutalities against the civilians must end now; The violations of International Humanitarian Law must stop,” he said while addressing a debate on the “Protection of Civilians” in Sudan.
The civil war broke out in April 2023 and has continued unabated as, with about 11.3 million people caught in crossfire between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces.
More than 8 million people have been displaced internally since the conflict started, and nearly 24.6 million people — about half of the country’s population, are in need of humanitarian aid and protection services.
Meanwhile, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that war and displacement are the main drivers of food insecurity, “exacerbated by reduced humanitarian access,” according to Deputy Director-General Beth Bechd.
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The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis highlighted the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and the elderly.
Disrupted food production and collapsing market conditions have exacerbated the crisis.
Famine in Sudan
The IPC Committee has said that famine could spread to 5 additional regions, including Um Kadadah and El Fasher, by mid-2025, with seventeen other areas at high risk without urgent intervention.
In his remarks, Ambassador Akram said Islamabad upholds firmly the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan.
“Any initiative that weakens these Charter principles will not provide a lasting solution to the war and will further jeopardize regional and global peace and security.”
Describing the worsening food security situation in Sudan as “alarming”, he called on the global community to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis and bridge the 36 percent funding gap for humanitarian appeals relating to the country.
In 2025, Sudan will require 4.2 billion dollars to support nearly 21 million people.
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In this regard, the Pakistani envoy expressed appreciation for the recent measures taken by the Sudanese authorities in opening additional air, sea and land borders for humanitarian aid and extending the Adre border crossing, which has caused some improvement in the humanitarian situation.
