Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres, on Friday addressed recent developments in Sudan, highlighting concerns over the killing of aid workers and escalating humanitarian needs.
“In Sudan, the killing of aid workers is unconscionable,” stressed Martin Griffiths, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, following reports of two drivers from the International Committee of the Red Cross being fatally shot by gunmen in South Darfur. “The ICRC confirmed that three other staff members were injured in the attack,” Farhan explained.
Furthermore, Haq noted a significant milestone in humanitarian efforts as he stated, “For the first time since the conflict began a year ago, a UN Refugee Agency team reached Omdurman in Khartoum on a two-day mission.”
He continued, “During their visit, the agency witnessed massive destruction in the city and met displaced families who shared their struggles. These families spoke of their challenges in accessing enough food due to soaring prices, as well as the lack of adequate shelter, medicines, and education for their children.”
Highlighting the urgent situation, Haq reiterated warnings from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs that with each passing day of conflict in Sudan, humanitarian needs continue to escalate.
Responding to questions regarding the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson, provided an update on Lamamra’s engagements with the parties involved in Sudan.
“Lamamra is actively engaging with the parties in Sudan, urging them to de-escalate tensions,” Haq stated. He emphasized Lamamra’s recent call on the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese authorities to refrain from fighting in El Fasher, underscoring the potential devastating consequences for the civilian population if the city were to come under attack.
Furthermore, Haq highlighted Lamamra’s regional engagements following his participation in the Paris conference in April. “Since then, Lamamra has travelled to Chad, Ethiopia, and Eritrea for discussions with the African Union and regional leaders on the way forward,” Farhan added.