The war in Sudan
UN warns of new wave of fighting in Sudan as humanitarian crisis worsens
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued a stark warning Friday about “clear preparations” for renewed and intensified fighting in Sudan, particularly in the strategic Kordofan region.
Türk said in a statement that “there are no signs of de-escalation; on the contrary, developments on the ground clearly indicate preparations for intensified military operations,” which would have “devastating consequences for a population already exhausted by suffering.”
The UN warning comes amid increased international efforts to end the civil war tearing the country apart.
The United States has urged both warring parties to move forward with a humanitarian truce seen as a lifeline for the besieged Sudanese people.
While the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to a three-month ceasefire proposal put forward by the “International Quartet,” the Sudanese army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has remained committed to a military solution, insisting that “the battle is not over” and that “a decisive victory on the ground is the only path forward.”
The Kordofan region poses an additional danger, as it lies between Khartoum, which is controlled by the army, and Darfur, which is under RSF control. Renewed fighting there could further escalate the conflict and worsen the overall situation.
Escalating humanitarian catastrophe
Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Around 21 million people are suffering from acute food insecurity, while over 20 million urgently need healthcare amid outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and dengue fever.
The displacement crisis has also reached alarming levels, with about 11.5 million people internally displaced and more than four million having fled to neighboring countries. In total, some 21 million Sudanese now require immediate and comprehensive international assistance.
The UN and US appeals reflect growing global concern over Sudan’s fate underscoring the urgent need for stronger international pressure to enforce a ceasefire before the conflict spreads to new regions like Kordofan.
