The UN has warned that armed conflict in Sudan could trigger a serious crisis in the entire region

conflict between Sudan Army and paramilitary group Rapid support forces (FAR) would destabilize the entire region and trigger a major crisis felt for years, the UN Secretary-General warned on Tuesday. Antonio Gutierrez.

“The thought of a protracted and large-scale war is unbearable,” Guterres told the Security Council, meeting to analyze the crisis in the African country, which lasted ten days and, according to the United Nations, 427 civilians have already lost their lives A conservative estimate is 3,700 wounded.

Reminiscent of the Portuguese, Sudan has a troubled space with borders with seven countries that have experienced conflict or severe civil unrest in the past decade. SahelOne of the most volatile parts of the world and an intense experience Humanitarian crisis.

“The struggle for power in Sudan not only jeopardizes the country’s future, but also lights a fuse that could explode across borders. causing great suffering for years and setting back development for decades,” he asserted.

Guterres demanded that both sides respect the current 72-hour ceasefire Agreed to arbitrate by the United States and an agreement Permanent cessation of hostilities.

For this he asked for powers Security Council And any country or organization with influence over the parties should put pressure on the military and the FAR to de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table immediately.

According to him, it is necessary for Sudanese leaders to put the interests of the people above all else, which is what they are demanding for the transition to democracy.

“Conflict cannot and should not be resolved on the battlefield.”Describing a bleak picture in the country, Guterres stressed that people are fleeing across borders or trapped in their homes, fearing how food, water, medicine and fuel are running out.

A 72-hour ceasefire between two generals vying for power Sudan It took effect on Tuesday, but witnesses and the UN announced fresh hostilities after days of fighting that left hundreds dead.

“The ceasefire was not fully respected, with attacks against bases, attempted landings, airstrikes and explosions in different parts of the capital.UN in the country Volker Berthesto the Security Council.

Perthes explained that he was in touch with two generals who were the army chief Abdul Fatah Al Burhan and his former partner, Mohammad Hamdan DagloUnder the command of the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (FAR).

“There are still no clear signs that any of them are willing to negotiate seriously.Perthes said.

Witnesses in the capital Khartoum They announced military bombardments against FAR positions and vehicles, which in turn were machine-gunned.

In a video, The paramilitary group said it had taken control of a refinery and a power plant About 70 km north of the capital, it is home to five million people.

US Secretary of State, Anthony BlinkenA three-day ceasefire was announced Sudan till midnight on Tuesday after “intense negotiations” between the two forces.

As with previous ceasefire announcements, both sides accused each other of not honoring it.

Before the armistice, the Foreign capitals were able to negotiate with the two belligerents to evacuate their citizens.

Hundreds of people EU, China, USA, Japan, UK And many Arab countries were able to leave.

In addition, some 700 UN staff, Embassies and international organizations were “evacuated to Puerto Sudan”, said the United Nations, a city on the shores of the Red Sea.

Even the UN Refugee Agency estimates that 270,000 could flee to Chad and South Sudan.

Those who failed to escape the gunfire are trying to survive without water, electricity, food shortages, internet and phone cuts.

“Foreigners, the impact of violence on an already critical humanitarian situation, can flee. SudanThe UN has warned.

Caught in the crossfire, its companies and many humanitarian organizations have suspended their operations in the country.

Five aid workers, including four from the UN, were killed and nearly three-quarters of hospitals were out of service, according to the doctors’ union.

The dispute between Burhan and Daghlo, who allied themselves to oust civilians from power, stemmed from plans to integrate the FAR into the regular army.

(With information from EFE and AFP)

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