The UN has said it is following with great concern the recent escalation of fighting in Sudan, in particular around the al-Jili oil refinery north of Khartoum, as well as in El Fasher in Darfur.
The Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, said in a press release on Saturday that the Secretary-General, António Guterres, was renewing his call for urgent and genuine dialogue between the parties to end the conflict.
“The Secretary-General urges the parties to refrain from all actions that could have dangerous consequences for Sudan and the region, including serious economic and environmental implications,” Lamamra, is quoted saying.
He further reminded the parties of their obligations under international law, including in relation to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and the facilitation of humanitarian access.
“Sudanese women, children and men are paying the price for the continued military offensives by the belligerents,” he said.
Lamamra noted that an immediate cessation of hostilities would spare Sudanese civilians from further harm and reiterated that a sustainable resolution to the conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process.