“This will allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to seek medical treatment, food and other essential supplies”, he said in a press conference. His call to silence the guns during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, marking the end of Ramadan, followed a virtual meeting on the crisis, convened by the African Union (AU).
“This must be the first step in providing respite from the fighting and paving the way for a permanent ceasefire,” he told journalists in New York.
The AU meeting brought together the UN, the League of Arab States, the East African bloc IGAD, the European Union, and countries committed to bringing an end to the hostilities in Sudan, where rival military factions have been battling for power for nearly a week.
Hundreds have been killed in the interim, including children. Humanitarians have been hampered from carrying out lifesaving operations, due to attacks and looting, according to the UN.
Mr. Guterres said the cessation of hostilities must be followed by serious dialogue, allowing for the successful transition, starting with the appointment of a civilian government.
He also condemned the targeting of humanitarian workers and assets, and reminded the parties of their international obligations, including to ensure the safety and security of aid workers.
“I’m also extremely worried about the situation of United Nations personnel, many of whom are trapped in their homes in areas of active conflict. We are doing everything in our power to be able to support them,” he continued.
Clashes between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on Saturday. Most of the fighting has been in the capital, where residents have been trapped in their homes for days.
