United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for countries supplying weapons to Sudan’s warring sides to be held accountable. He said these countries should be held accountable when those arms are used to attack civilians. The use of Sudan war weapons has raised major concerns about international responsibility.
According to Reuters, Guterres made the call on Wednesday. This happened ahead of next week’s annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations in New York.
“What is happening in Sudan is absolutely horrible,” Guterres said, describing the humanitarian situation as devastating.
He said the level of suffering endured by Sudanese civilians had become intolerable.
Foreign support fuels Sudan conflict
Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023. This follows a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Moreover, Sudan war weapons have played a significant role in escalating hostilities.
More than 14 million people have been displaced since fighting began, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The proliferation of Sudan war weapons has directly affected the scale of the crisis.
Guterres said external involvement had helped prolong the conflict.
“It is true that the conflict is fueled by a number of countries from the outside,” he said.
The UN chief argued that governments supplying arms should face consequences. This should happen when the weapons are subsequently used in widespread attacks on civilians.
His comments follow findings by a United Nations fact-finding mission. The mission found that foreign weapons, military technology, fighters and logistical networks have helped sustain the conflict. In addition, ongoing deliveries of Sudan war weapons contribute to the endurance of the clashes.
The mission said such support had also increased the ability of the rival forces to launch drone attacks against civilian areas. These attacks can happen far from traditional front lines.
Guterres’ remarks add to mounting international pressure on foreign actors to stop providing military support. Otherwise, such support could prolong the war and deepen Sudan’s humanitarian emergency.
