The UN Security Council intends to vote today, Friday, on a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan during the month of Ramadan, which begins early next week, amid the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation. The draft resolution urges all parties to "immediately cease hostilities before Ramadan" and calls on the warring parties to "allow for the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance, including across borders and front lines."
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a plea during a council meeting to "all parties in Sudan to respect the values of Ramadan by ceasing hostilities in observance of the month." Guterres added, "The ceasefire must lead to a permanent silence of the guns across the country and establish a steady path towards lasting peace for the Sudanese people," warning of the "magnitude" of the humanitarian crisis and looming famine. While most council members supported the Thursday call for a ceasefire during Ramadan, some countries, notably China and Russia, expressed reservations.
