WHO chief calls situation in Sudan “heartbreaking,” says peace only solution

The World Health Organisation (WHO) condemned the loss of lives in Sudan on Thursday, as clashes between the army and paramilitaries in the country escalated.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation, said in a statement that reports of forces occupying health facilities are deeply concerning. The WHO Director-General issued a statement on Sudan’s situation on Twitter, condemning the loss of life, attacks on civilians, and health care.

As of now, more than 300 people have lost their lives due to rage in clashes in Sudan and nearly 3000 are injured.

“The lack of safe access, to electricity, food, water, personnel and the diminishing medical supplies are making it nearly impossible for many health facilities to function at the exact time when there are thousands injured in need of urgent care,” the WHO Chief said further, as he reiterated on his appeal for peace.

“I continue to urge all sides to respect the truce so that: -those trapped by the fighting can seek refuge -civilians can access food, water, and medicine -patients can seek the health care that they need. Peace is the only solution,” he added.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the ongoing clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese armed forces.

“The Secretary-General calls on the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to immediately cease hostilities, restore calm and initiate a dialogue to resolve the current crisis. Any further escalation in the fighting will have a devastating impact on civilians and further aggravate the already precarious humanitarian situation in the country,” the spokesperson for the Secretary-General said.

The United Kingdom also called for an immediate end to the fighting and a long-term ceasefire in Sudan on Wednesday, as tensions in the region continue to rise with each passing day.

Taking to Twitter, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced that discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and the UAE on how to resolve the conflict collectively had taken place.

“The bloodshed in Sudan cannot continue. The UK calls for an immediate end to the fighting and a lasting ceasefire. Today I discussed with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and UAE how we can collectively work to resolve the conflict,” the UK Foreign Secretary tweeted.

According to Al Jazeera, the conflict between Sudan’s military leader and his deputy on the ruling council erupted four days ago, derailing a plan for a civilian democracy that had received international support, four years after the overthrow of the previous government by widespread protests and two years after a military coup.

According to the UN, the conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis, including the near-complete collapse of the health system. The organization’s Global Food Programme ceased operations after three of its employees were killed.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, providing humanitarian services in and around the capital is nearly impossible.