Diplomats have stated that the United Nations Security Council is considering a call for an immediate cessation of hostilities ahead of Ramadan in the ongoing nearly year-long conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The 15-member council is negotiating a draft resolution put forth by Britain, which diplomats say could be put to a vote tomorrow, Friday. Ramadan begins next week.
The draft resolution, which Reuters has reviewed, also calls on "all parties to ensure the removal of any obstacles and to allow for humanitarian assistance to be provided fully, swiftly, safely, and without impediments, including across borders and various points, and to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law."
The United States accuses both warring parties of committing war crimes and states that the Rapid Support Forces and their allied armed groups are perpetrating crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. The United Nations reports that nearly 25 million people, or half of Sudan's population, require assistance. Approximately eight million have been displaced from their homes, and levels of hunger continue to rise.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters on Wednesday, "The international community is not doing enough to address this horrific crisis." Between 10,000 and 15,000 people were killed in a single city in West Darfur last year in violence driven by ethnic conflict at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces and allied Arab militias, according to a UN sanctions monitoring report reviewed by Reuters in January.
Since the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023, the council has issued only three press statements condemning the violence and expressing concern. UN sanctions monitors have described allegations that the UAE provided military support to the Rapid Support Forces as "credible." The UAE denies providing military assistance to either of the competing parties in Sudan.
The draft resolution urges all states to "refrain from external interference aiming to instigate conflict and instability" and calls on them "to support efforts for a lasting peace." The Security Council resolution requires the approval of at least nine members and the absence of a veto from the United States, Russia, Britain, China, or France.
