UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the escalating drone attacks in Sudan by the parties to the conflict and the catastrophic toll these attacks are inflicting on civilians, according to a statement by his spokesperson. Across the country, as well as in Abyei, drones have killed hundreds of civilians, including women and children, which constitute violations of international humanitarian law, a statement by Stephane Dujarric said on Saturday. “The Secretary-General is appalled by all the attacks directed against civilians and critical infrastructure, including health facilities,” it noted. Guterres called on the parties to spare the civilian population and critical infrastructure and agree without delay to a cessation of hostilities as a first step towards ending this devastating conflict. He renewed his urgent appeal to the parties to engage in good faith with mediation efforts. Dujarric’s statement noted that the United Nations stands ready to support any efforts to advance a sustainable political resolution that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Now in its fourth year, Sudan's conflict has already killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and triggered what the UN describes as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
