Sudan: UN Rights Chief Calls for a Return to Talks, Amid Reports of 24-Hour Pause

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Tuesday for an immediate end to the hostilities in Sudan and urged the opposing sides in the military power struggle to return to the negotiating table. He noted reports of a proposed 24‑hour pause in the fighting and said, “Sudan has already endured so much pain and suffering. The fighting is born out of power games and personal interests that only serve to alienate the democratic aspirations of the population.” Türk added, “Do those responsible not understand that the civilian population now only craves a peaceful life?”

The Sudanese army and a rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, have been locked in intense fighting for four days. The unrest erupted as Sudan seemed poised to return to a democratic transition after three decades of military rule. International media reported that the sides have agreed to a 24‑hour ceasefire, set to begin at 6 p.m. local time. In the interim, the World Health Organization, citing authorities, said 270 people have been killed, including three UN World Food Programme staff members working in Darfur. Another 2,700 people have been injured, and humanitarian operations in many states have come to a halt.

“Thousands upon thousands of civilians are trapped in their homes, shielding from the fighting, with no electricity, unable to venture out and worried about running out of food, drinking water and medicine,” Türk said. He urged the warring parties to remind their fighters of the obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure—such as schools and hospitals—under international law. The UN rights chief also expressed outrage at reports of attempted rape and called for prompt, thorough, independent investigations into the killings of civilians, including the WFP staff, and other reported violations, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.

“Only a few weeks ago, Sudan appeared to be on the right path towards an agreement that would restore civilian rule,” Türk said. “Common sense must prevail, and all parties must act to de‑escalate tensions. The shared interests of the Sudanese people must come first.”