UNSC endorses ceasefire in Sudan: A call for peace during Ramadan
On Friday, the UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
The resolution, proposed by the UK, garnered approval from 14 of the 15 Council members, with Russia abstaining from the vote.
Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative for Political Affairs, Anna Evstigneeva, criticized the motives of Western countries and highlighted a perceived "double standard" in their approach to the conflict in Gaza compared to Sudan. "We see a clear double standard here, especially in light of the ongoing massacre in Gaza, where over five months, more than 30,000 people have died," Evstigneeva remarked, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts in Sudan.
The approved resolution demands a halt to hostilities during Ramadan and calls for dialogue towards resolving the conflict. It also insists on unrestricted humanitarian aid access and compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties involved.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted last April between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in at least 12,260 deaths and over 33,000 injuries, according to UN data. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with nearly 6.8 million people displaced within Sudan and into neighboring countries.
Despite several cease-fire attempts facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the US, the violence has continued unabated.
