UN Chief Urges New Strategies To Protect Sudanese Civilians as Violence Escalates
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the Security Council on Monday to find new ways to protect Sudanese civilians, describing conditions as too dangerous for a UN force deployment.
“The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence,” Guterres said, underscoring the widespread atrocities in Sudan since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Guterres cited calls from human rights advocates for greater protection measures, including a neutral force, while noting that current conditions do not allow for a UN deployment.
“This may require new approaches adapted to the challenging circumstances,” he added.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed the Security Council on Monday, expressing alarm over reports that Sudanese army units “continue to undermine, intimidate, and target humanitarian officials.” She also stressed the importance of keeping the Adre crossing with Chad open.
Sudanese Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed defended his government’s approach to aid access, emphasizing its commitment to open routes, including 10 border crossings and seven airports, but voiced security concerns over the Adre crossing with Chad: “We noticed that thousands of mercenaries from Africa and Sahel entered the country … through Adre. The Adre border crossing poses a real threat to national security.”
Al-Harith noted that the crossing had enabled a flow of advanced weaponry into Sudan, fueling violence in multiple conflict zones.
The crossing is set to close later in November unless the policy is renewed.
