Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 30, 2025 Peace and security
The situation in Sudan continues to rapidly deteriorate, UN Assistant Secretary-General for African Affairs Martha Pobi told the Security Council. She spoke, in particular, about new outbreaks of violence in the country.
After more than 500 days of siege, the town of El Fasher in North Darfur was captured by the Rapid Reaction Force. Only isolated pockets of resistance remained. This event, Pobi noted, marked a turning point that altered the balance of power in the region.
Fierce fighting and drone attacks
Other parts of the country are also suffering from ongoing fighting. In recent weeks, clashes have intensified in the Kordofan region, which the UN estimates could become a new arena for fierce fighting. Last week, the Rapid Intervention Force captured the town of Bara in Northern Kordofan, just 40 kilometers from the state capital, El Obeid.
Both sides are actively using drones, expanding the geography of the conflict. Strikes are being carried out in Blue Nile, Khartoum, Sennar, and South and West Kordofan. After the reopening of Khartoum Airport was announced, it immediately became the target of massive drone attacks.
"The consequences of drone attacks are clear – growing civilian casualties, increasing humanitarian needs, and further destruction of infrastructure," she stressed.
Mass crimes
The UN is documenting evidence of widespread crimes, ethnic violence, and violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual violence. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in El Fasher, mass killings, executions, and attacks on civilians attempting to flee the city have occurred over the past week. Communication with El Fasher has been cut off, and the exact death toll is unknown.
Despite the parties' stated intention to protect civilians, the civilian population of El Fasher is in danger and there are no safe evacuation routes.
There are also reports of mass killings in the town of Bara, where the UN says at least 50 people have died, including five Red Crescent volunteers who were allegedly executed without trial.
The UN will continue to seek accountability. Pobi recalled the recent extension of the UN Fact-Finding Mission's mandate and the International Criminal Court's verdict in the case of Ali Mohammed Ali Abd al-Rahman (known as Ali Kushayb).
Put an end to the conflict
The UN Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. "The time has come to take the first step toward lasting peace for the Sudanese people," Pobi said.
She also stressed that any outside interference in the conflict must stop, as the flow of weapons and mercenaries only fuels the war.
According to her, the Secretary-General's personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtan Lamamra, invited the parties to separately enter into negotiations with the UN, focusing on de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
Both sides have expressed their willingness to participate in this process, and the UN is counting on the support of states that have influence over them.
Pobi reported that an intra-Sudanese dialogue is being prepared under the auspices of the African Union within the Quartet mechanism (the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and the UN). Consultations are underway with key Sudanese stakeholders on the timing and role of international organizations.
She added that coordination of international efforts is critical. The UN and the African Union plan to hold a ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa to coordinate mediation efforts and identify priorities.
In closing, Pobee called on the Security Council to show resolve: "We must play our part to end this devastating war. We must stand with the people of Sudan, who have suffered for too long."
Statement by the Security Council
Security Council members issued a statement today reaffirming their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan and calling on all states to support efforts to achieve peace.
“In this regard, the Security Council reiterated its opposition to the establishment of a parallel governing body in the territories controlled by the Rapid Reaction Force,” the statement said.
Humanitarian disaster
According to UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan is worsening. He stated that El Fasher, already a symbol of suffering, has "descended into an even darker hell" after the Rapid Reaction Force entered the city and began carrying out mass executions.
Fletcher emphasized that what happened did not come as a surprise: the international community knew about the impending disaster.
According to the UN, nearly 500 people—patients and their families—were killed at the Saudi Arabian Maternity Hospital. This is just one of numerous attacks on medical facilities, which Fletcher said is "yet another example of the brutality with which this war is being waged."
In recent weeks alone, tens of thousands of people have fled their homes to escape violence. Most of the refugees—women, children, and the elderly—are walking toward the already overcrowded city of Tawila. Those attempting to leave face extortion, violence, and the risk of being killed along the way.
Despite ongoing threats and restrictions, humanitarian organizations working in Sudan provided assistance to 13.5 million people between January and August. UN and international NGO teams continue to provide emergency medical care, treat children for malnutrition, distribute food, and combat cholera outbreaks.
Fletcher announced the release of an additional $20 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to scale up assistance in Darfur and Kordofan. This funding complements funding from the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, which is supporting local partners working in the affected areas.
In concluding his speech, Fletcher noted that the crisis in Sudan is a failure of the system for protecting civilians and international law: “We do not hear the cries, but as we sit here, the nightmare continues.
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