UN Chief Guterres Calls for Halt to Weapons Flow into Sudan, Fueling Deadly Conflict
New York, April 15, 2025 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong call to action, demanding an immediate end to the external flow of weapons into Sudan, which he warns is exacerbating the already devastating conflict and pushing the country further towards a humanitarian catastrophe.
Speaking at a press briefing in New York, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for all actors, both within Sudan and beyond its borders, to prioritize peace and stability. “The continued influx of weapons only serves to fuel the fighting, prolong the suffering of the Sudanese people, and undermine any prospects for a peaceful resolution,” he stated.
A Year of Devastation:
The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2024 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. The power struggle, rooted in long-standing tensions and unresolved issues from the 2019 revolution that ousted Omar al-Bashir, has plunged the country into chaos.
The fighting has been particularly intense in the capital Khartoum and the Darfur region, leading to widespread destruction, displacement, and a severe breakdown of essential services like healthcare and water. The UN estimates that over 8 million people have been displaced, either internally or across borders, making it one of the largest displacement crises in the world.
Weapons Fueling the Fire:
Guterres’s plea highlights a critical aspect of the conflict: the continued supply of weapons to both sides. Despite international efforts to enforce an arms embargo, credible reports suggest that weapons and ammunition are still flowing into the country from various sources, both regional and international.
These weapons, ranging from small arms to heavy artillery, enable both the SAF and RSF to continue their fight, despite the immense human cost. The availability of these weapons also contributes to the proliferation of armed groups and criminal elements, further destabilizing the country and jeopardizing the security of civilians.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens:
The ongoing conflict and the influx of weapons have severely hampered humanitarian efforts. Aid workers face immense challenges in accessing those in need due to the fighting, insecurity, and bureaucratic obstacles.
Food insecurity is reaching alarming levels, with millions facing acute hunger. The breakdown of the healthcare system has left countless people without access to essential medical care, leading to a surge in preventable diseases. The UN and its partners are struggling to provide adequate assistance, but their efforts are being severely constrained by the security situation and lack of funding.
The Path Forward:
Guterres reiterated the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Sudanese people and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He called on all parties to:
- Immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue.
- Respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
- Facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need.
- Adhere to the arms embargo and end the flow of weapons into Sudan.
The UN is working with regional and international partners to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate a political process that can lead to a sustainable peace agreement. However, Guterres stressed that ultimately, the responsibility for ending the conflict lies with the Sudanese themselves.
International Pressure is Key:
The Secretary-General’s statement underscores the urgent need for the international community to exert greater pressure on all actors involved in fueling the conflict. This includes:
- Strengthening the arms embargo and ensuring its effective enforcement.
- Holding those responsible for human rights violations and war crimes accountable.
- Providing increased humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
- Supporting efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Ending the flow of weapons into Sudan is a crucial step towards creating an environment conducive to peace and stability. Without it, the conflict is likely to continue, further devastating the country and condemning the Sudanese people to further suffering. The world must act now to prevent a complete collapse.
External flow of weapons into Sudan must end, insists UN’s Guterres
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At 2025-04-15 12:00, ‘External flow of weapons into Sudan must end, insists UN’s Guterres’ was published according to Peace and Security. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner.
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