Port Sudan Under Drone Attack: UN Chief Calls for End to Sudan Conflict
Port Sudan, Sudan (May 8, 2025) – The fragile peace in Sudan, particularly around the crucial port city of Port Sudan, is facing renewed threats as drone attacks continue unabated. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a fervent plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to peace negotiations amidst escalating violence.
For over a year, Sudan has been gripped by a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. This power struggle, which erupted in April 2024, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and pushing the country to the brink of collapse.
While the most intense fighting has occurred in Khartoum and the Darfur region, Port Sudan has largely remained a haven of relative stability. As Sudan’s primary port on the Red Sea, it has become a crucial hub for humanitarian aid and the seat of the transitional government. However, the recent surge in drone attacks is shattering this fragile peace and raising serious concerns about the vulnerability of vital infrastructure and the safety of civilians.
The Drone Attacks: A Growing Threat
Details surrounding the perpetrators of these drone attacks remain unclear. Both the SAF and RSF have access to drone technology, and accusations have been traded between the two sides. Regardless of the source, the attacks are having a significant impact:
- Disrupting Aid Delivery: Port Sudan is the lifeline for humanitarian aid reaching millions of Sudanese people in dire need. The attacks are disrupting the flow of supplies, hindering the delivery of food, medicine, and other essential items. Aid workers are facing increased risks, making it more difficult to operate and reach those who desperately need assistance.
- Heightening Fear and Uncertainty: The drone attacks are creating a climate of fear and uncertainty among the civilian population in Port Sudan. People are living in constant dread of being caught in the crossfire, leading to increased anxiety and displacement.
- Potential Damage to Infrastructure: The attacks pose a significant threat to the port’s infrastructure, including its docking facilities, warehouses, and other essential equipment. Damage to these facilities could further cripple Sudan’s economy and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
UN Chief’s Plea for Peace
Secretary-General Guterres has strongly condemned the drone attacks and reiterated the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting Sudan’s transition to peace and stability. He emphasized the urgent need for:
- An Immediate Ceasefire: Guterres called on both the SAF and the RSF to immediately cease all hostilities and prioritize the protection of civilians. He stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict and that a negotiated settlement is the only way to achieve lasting peace.
- Unimpeded Humanitarian Access: The UN chief urged all parties to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to reach all those in need, regardless of their location. He emphasized the importance of protecting humanitarian workers and respecting the neutrality of humanitarian operations.
- Resumption of Peace Talks: Guterres called for a swift resumption of peace talks between the SAF and the RSF, facilitated by regional and international actors. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict and establishing a framework for a sustainable political transition.
The Future of Sudan Hangs in the Balance
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has already had devastating consequences, and the situation is deteriorating further with the recent escalation of violence in Port Sudan. The future of the country hangs in the balance, and the international community must step up its efforts to support the Sudanese people in their quest for peace, stability, and a better future.
The Secretary-General’s plea serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the situation. Without a concerted effort to end the fighting, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian access, Sudan risks sliding further into chaos and facing a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented proportions. The world must act now to prevent this from happening.
Related Information:
- The Conflict: The conflict began in April 2024 after escalating tensions between the SAF and RSF over the integration of the RSF into the regular army. Both generals have a history of working together in previous conflicts and coups, but personal ambitions and differing visions for Sudan’s future have driven them to war.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has displaced millions of Sudanese people, both internally and across borders. Food insecurity is rampant, and access to healthcare is severely limited. The UN estimates that over 25 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance.
- International Efforts: Various international actors, including the African Union, the United Nations, and regional countries, have been involved in mediation efforts to try and broker a ceasefire and a return to political negotiations. However, these efforts have so far failed to produce a lasting resolution to the conflict.
- Geopolitical Significance of Port Sudan: Port Sudan is strategically important for Sudan as it provides access to the Red Sea and is a crucial trade route. It is also a potential transit point for oil pipelines from South Sudan. The stability of Port Sudan is therefore crucial for the stability of the entire region.
Port Sudan: No let-up in drone attacks as UN chief urges peace
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At 2025-05-08 12:00, ‘Port Sudan: No let-up in drone attacks as UN chief urges peace’ was published according to Africa. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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