UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to cease hostilities during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
"I call on all parties in Sudan to honor the values of Ramadan by honoring a Ramadan cessation of hostilities. This cessation of hostilities must lead to a definitive silencing of the guns across the country, and set out a firm path towards lasting peace for the Sudanese people," Guterres said during a UN Security Council briefing on Sudan.
The UN Secretary-General also said that the values of Ramadan must prevail. Guterres referred to the Islamic principle of empathy and generosity and the need to "share and care," particularly with the poor and needy, during the month of Ramadan.
In April 2023, clashes broke out between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group. The parties to the conflict have since introduced a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires, but none has helped settle the conflict. In late October, the parties to the conflict resumed negotiations, mediated by Saudi Arabia, but hostilities in the country have continued.