UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the escalating drone attacks across Sudan, warning of their devastating impact on civilians and critical infrastructure, according to a statement by his spokesperson.
Drone strikes across Sudan and the Abyei area have killed hundreds of civilians, including women and children, in what the United Nations said constitutes violations of international humanitarian law, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Saturday.
“The Secretary-General is appalled by all the attacks directed against civilians and critical infrastructure, including health facilities,” Dujarric said.
Guterres called on the warring parties to protect civilians and critical infrastructure and agree without delay to a cessation of hostilities as a first step towards ending the conflict.
Also, he renewed his urgent appeal for the parties to engage in good faith with mediation efforts aimed at securing an end to the fighting.
The United Nations remains ready to support efforts towards a sustainable political resolution that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people, Dujarric affirmed.
Sudan’s war, now in its fourth year, has left a devastating toll, claiming tens of thousands of lives, uprooting millions and driving the country into a deepening humanitarian crisis described by the United Nations as among the world’s worst.
