October 28, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for attacks on civilians in Sudan, demanding urgent action to protect innocent lives and ensure accountability for atrocities. “The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable,” Guterres told the UN Security Council, citing “horrifying” reports of RSF attacks on civilians in El Fasher and indiscriminate SAF airstrikes in populated areas. He further mentioned the recent “shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence” in Al Jazirah State in the east of the country. Guterres called for an immediate end to the flow of weapons into Sudan, which he said was “fuelling the conflict.” He acknowledged calls for a protective force but said conditions for deploying UN troops were not yet in place. Over 11 million people fled their home areas since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.  Also, almost 600,000 people were affected by heavy rains and floods this summer. Responding to Guterres, Sudan’s UN Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss blamed the RSF and its political allies and regional supporters for the violence, accusing them …

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