The Trilateral Mechanism, comprised of the African Union (AU)- Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-UN reiterated the importance of having a humanitarian pause in Sudan In a statement today, the Trilateral Mechanism urged the leadership of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to adhere to the humanitarian pause and ensure that this decision is well communicated throughout their ranks.
The pause would provide an opportunity to allow civilians trapped in conflict zones to access assistance and critical supplies, receive medical assistance or to safely get out, the statement said.
Only the SAF and RSF have the power to ensure that the pause is maintained and can guarantee the protection of civilians, the statement added.
Relatedly, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), Volker Perthes urged all parties to respect their international obligations, including to ensure the protection of all civilians.
Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement “The situation has already led to horrendous loss of life, including many civilians,” stressing that further escalation could have devastating effects on Sudan and the region.
The security and political situation in Sudan stirred up increasing Arab and international concern, amid calls for calm and restraint, as the United Nations, the Arab League, African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the United States, Russia and the European Union called for an end to the fighting in the country.
Source: Qatar News Agency
