New York / Khartoum — The trilateral mechanism, comprising the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has reiterated the importance of a humanitarian pause in fighting. It urged the leadership of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to adhere to the pause today and to ensure that the decision is clearly communicated throughout their ranks. A daily humanitarian ceasefire was announced on Sunday afternoon, but it was only partially observed by both parties.
The Trilateral Mechanism emphasized that the pause would allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to receive assistance and critical supplies, obtain medical care, or evacuate safely. “Only the SAF and RSF have the power to ensure that the pause is maintained and can guarantee the protection of civilians,” the statement read.
In a press briefing yesterday, UN Secretary‑General spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the UN has been forced to temporarily halt much of its programming because of the fighting. He noted that ten UN agencies and more than 80 NGOs are running over 250 programmes in Sudan, but the UN currently has no access into or out of the country. Crossfire at Khartoum airport reportedly damaged a UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) aircraft, which could seriously impact the UN’s ability to reach remote areas where needs are greatest.
Under‑Secretary‑General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths expressed horror at the deaths of humanitarian workers, including three World Food Programme staff members, and distress over reports of large‑scale looting of aid and damage to humanitarian facilities. He warned that the hostilities will further hamper humanitarian response at a time when needs are at an all‑time high in Sudan.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that nearly one‑third of the population—almost 16 million people—were in need of humanitarian aid at the start of this year, with about 3.7 million people displaced within the country. It is crucial that the fighting stops so that assistance can resume for those in need.
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