Sudan conflict: UN envoy leads ‘renewed engagement’ to end fighting
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan is leading a “renewed engagement” by the UN to try and end the brutal fighting between Government forces and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
Ramtane Lamamra is working hard to “strengthen multilateral coordination around political and mediation efforts, working in support of and in close partnership with African and other regional and international partners”, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York on Thursday.
He said a worsening situation on the ground “necessitates enhanced efforts to bring an end to the current conflict”.
The clashes, which began last April, have left more than 25 million people dependent on humanitarian assistance with close to eight million driven from their homes, including 1.6 million who have fled across Sudan’s borders.
Mr. Lamamra has undertaken an extensive diplomatic tour of key capitals in the Horn of Africa region, in Europe and in the Gulf in a bid to “relaunch a credible political process”.
The UN peacekeeping mission, UNISFA, in the disputed Abyei region, said on Thursday “enhanced levels” of patrolling are continuing as intercommunal tensions persist, Mr. Dujarric added.
Peacekeepers responded to gunfire between two groups on Wednesday in Rumamier in southern Abyei.
Two civilians were reportedly killed during the hostilities and in response, the mission patrolled and maintained a presence in the area to protect civilians.
UNISFA is also continuing to engage with stakeholders to calm tensions and provide longer-term security, the UN Spokesperson added.
-0- PANA MA 16Feb2024
