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Sudan Conflict

In Focus: Sudan Conflict

Hundreds of thousands of people in Sudan have been affected by heavy rains and flash floods since June.
© UNICEF/Aymen Alfadil

Sudan is in the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality. A crisis that is increasingly spilling over into the wider region. A crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the High-level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan

Sudan is facing one of the most challenging periods in its modern history as the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) plunges the nation deeper into turmoil.

The war, which erupted in April 2023, has devastated communities, displaced millions and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of extreme vulnerability, as Sudan remains highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and disasters.

From severe droughts to deadly floods, the compounded effects of conflict and environmental instability are pushing communities to the brink, leaving them struggling to survive. Famine has already been declared in some parts of the country, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and putting millions of lives at immediate risk.

In this In Focus section, UN News collates its comprehensive coverage of the conflict, the far-reaching impacts on the population, and the urgent efforts required to achieve peace and stability in the region.

Stay informed with the latest developments and understand the critical role of the international community in addressing the growing needs of those affected by this conflict.

Statements by the Secretary-General or his spokesperson on Sudan

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In the midst of Sudan's escalating crisis, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan plays a crucial role in international efforts to mediate and resolve the conflict. Appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General, this envoy is tasked with facilitating dialogue and supporting peace initiatives on the ground.

Personal Envoy Ramtane Lamamra (Algeria)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced on 21 November 2023 the appointment of Ramtane Lamamra of Algeria as his Personal Envoy for Sudan.

Mr. Lamamra brings more than four decades of experience in politics, international affairs and diplomacy.  He held several high-level governmental positions in Algeria, including serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and as Minister of State and Diplomatic Adviser to the President.  Between 2008 and 2013, he served as the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security.  Since 2017, Mr. Lamamra has been a member of the High-level Advisory Board of the United Nations Secretary-General on Mediation.  Between 2018 and 2021, he served as a Member of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel for Sudan, South Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

A career diplomat, Mr. Lamamra holds extensive knowledge of the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East and North Africa region, as well as of the work of international and regional organizations.  Among other diplomatic postings, he served as Ambassador of Algeria to Portugal, the United States, Austria, Ethiopia and Djibouti, as well as Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations.

Mr. Lamamra holds a diploma from the Diplomatic Section of the Algerian National School of Administration. He is fluent in Arabic, French and English.

The UN Security Council is a key player in addressing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, wielding significant influence through its resolutions aimed at mitigating the crisis and fostering peace.

Resolutions: The Security Council has adopted various resolutions to address the conflict, including demands for ceasefires. These resolutions are designed to apply international pressure on the conflicting parties and promote adherence to peace agreements.

Recent resolutions:

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Monitoring and Reporting: The Council receives regular briefings from the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and other UN bodies. These reports provide detailed updates on the conflict’s dynamics, humanitarian impacts, and the progress of peace negotiations, helping the Council to make informed decisions.

Click here for details on Security Council meetings on Sudan, provided by UN Meetings Coverage.

In response to the escalating conflict in Sudan, various United Nations offices and agencies are actively involved in both humanitarian relief and development efforts. Their roles are crucial in addressing the immediate needs of affected populations and supporting long-term recovery and stability.

  • Humanitarian Relief: UN agencies deliver essential aid, including food, water, medical supplies, and shelter, to those impacted by the conflict, especially women, children and other vulnerable groups.
  • Emergency Health Services: They provide critical medical care and help address mental health and psychosocial needs.
  • Protection and Advocacy: UN entities monitor human rights situation, especially the impacts on those at heightened risk, and advocate for their rights.
  • Development Support: Agencies work on rebuilding infrastructure and supporting economic recovery to help communities recover.
  • Coordination and Planning: They collaborate with partners to ensure a cohesive response, avoiding duplication and maximizing impact.

Through these multifaceted roles, the UN system is working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict in Sudan and to support the country’s path toward recovery and stability.

Click here for more information on the UN entities in Sudan.

Click here for more information from Relief Web on the work of the wider humanitarian community in response to the crisis

FEATURED: World must not turn its back on Sudan’s deepening crisis: Guterres

Displaced families at an IDP camp in Sudan's Gedaref state. More than 12 million people have been displaced due to the conflict in the country.
©UNOCHA/Yao Chen
Displaced families at an IDP camp in Sudan's Gedaref state. More than 12 million people have been displaced due to the conflict in the country.

The UN Secretary-General has called on the international community to urgently scale up funding and diplomatic action to ease the suffering of millions of Sudanese facing hunger and displacement as rival militaries continue battling each other for control.

Speaking at a high-level humanitarian conference in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, António Guterres described the situation in Sudan as a catastrophe of “staggering scale and brutality”.

He warned that it is increasing spilling into the wider region: “It is a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention.”

Mr. Guterres also stressed the need to ensure protection of civilians and humanitarians, as well as stop the flow of arms and ammunition into the country: “This flow is enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed.”

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