The UN Security Council is set to address a critical draft resolution that calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, where a brutal conflict between two rival generals shows no signs of abating. The resolution, prepared by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, urges both parties involved to “immediately cease hostilities and engage, in good faith, in dialogue” in an effort to de-escalate the ongoing violence and work towards a national ceasefire.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in conflict as General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s regular army battles the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who was once Burhan’s deputy. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities, with more than 11 million people displaced. Among them, about 3.1 million have fled the country, according to figures provided by the United Nations.
In recent weeks, the conflict has intensified, with both factions displaying unwavering determination to achieve military victory. UN under-secretary-general for political affairs Rosemary DiCarlo commented on the grim situation, highlighting the significant toll the violence has had on civilians. Approximately 26 million people in the country are grappling with acute food shortages, and both sides are accused of perpetrating sexual violence amid the chaos.
In light of these atrocities, the draft resolution calls for the parties to fully implement commitments made earlier in 2023 aimed at protecting civilians. It emphasizes the necessity to halt conflict-related sexual violence and facilitate “rapid, safe, unhindered” humanitarian access throughout Sudan.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who will lead the Security Council’s session, expressed his commitment to advocating for a resolution that prioritizes civilian protection and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. While some diplomats expressed optimism regarding the adoption of the text, uncertainty remains over Russia’s position, given its status as a veto-holding member of the council. Reports indicate that during negotiations, Russia appeared to align more closely with Burhan’s faction.
The draft resolution also cautions against external interference that could exacerbate conflict and instability in Sudan, specifically urging all parties to honor an arms embargo regarding Darfur. Tensions have arisen over accusations that Sudan has received arms from the United Arab Emirates, which has been categorically denied by Abu Dhabi.
Should the resolution pass, its practical implications remain uncertain. Previous Security Council measures, including a March resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan and a July demand for the RSF to lift its siege of El-Fasher—where many civilians are trapped—failed to yield significant results.
Moreover, the draft invites UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to explore a potential system for monitoring and verifying a ceasefire, a concept he previously suggested. However, Guterres cautioned that the conditions necessary for deploying a UN force to protect civilians are currently lacking in Sudan.
