U.N. chief ‘deeply frustrated’ by impunity in Sudan, urges ceasefire

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September 18, 2024 (NEW YORK) – U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed deep frustration over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting the “total impunity” enjoyed by warring parties and the international community’s failure to implement a ceasefire or initiate a political process.

Speaking at a press conference, Guterres lamented the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, with increasing hunger and civilian casualties. He emphasized that despite numerous initiatives by the U.N., the African Union, and other regional bodies, no real progress has been made on a ceasefire or political solution.

“The problem is that in all those initiatives and in all those attempts until now, there was really no progress at all in relation to the central question, which is, of course, a ceasefire and the opening of a political process,” Guterres said.

He further expressed concern about the sense of impunity among the warring factions, stating, “The two parties feel that they can do whatever they want, that nothing will happen to them.”

When asked about the U.N.’s role in achieving a ceasefire and political path, Guterres acknowledged the U.N.’s active involvement in various processes and initiatives. He also stressed the need for the international community to come together and exert more pressure on the warring parties.

“We are extremely active in all the processes that I mentioned, and even trying to promote initiatives, to be more effective in bringing the international community together,” he said.

However, Guterres admitted being “deeply frustrated” with the current situation and the lack of progress. He pledged to express his concerns directly to leaders, including General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is attending the U.N. General Assembly session.

The Secretary-General’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict in Sudan. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, and the absence of a ceasefire or political solution only prolongs the suffering of the Sudanese people.