António Guterres on Sudan
TL;DR
António Guterres demands an immediate ceasefire and an end to external interference fueling Sudan's spiraling civil war.
Key Points
He strongly condemned the outbreak of fighting in April 2023 and appealed for an immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The Secretary-General demands that the external support and flow of weapons into Sudan, which allows the conflict to persist, must end as of April 2025.
He expressed deep alarm regarding the deteriorating situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, in September 2025, demanding an immediate halt to hostilities there.
Summary
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, views the civil war in Sudan as a crisis of staggering proportions that is spiralling out of control, demanding an immediate end to the fighting and for warring parties to return to the negotiating table. He has stressed that civilians are paying the highest price amidst indiscriminate shelling, rampant sexual violence, and attacks on essential infrastructure like hospitals and schools. The situation is compounded by the world’s largest displacement crisis, with millions fleeing their homes, and a looming famine affecting a quarter of the population.
His core position is a strong condemnation of external interference, insisting that the flow of weapons and fighters into Sudan must cease to allow the conflict to persist. The Secretary-General calls upon those with influence over the parties to use it to promote peace rather than perpetuate the disaster, backing efforts for an inclusive political process and civilian-led transition. He underscores that only an end to the senseless conflict will ensure civilian protection and prevent the country's fragmentation, calling for concerted international action to support the Sudanese people.
Key Quotes
“The fighting must stop now.”
Frequently Asked Questions
António Guterres's core position is a demand for an immediate ceasefire to end the devastating civil war. He consistently stresses that all warring parties must return to dialogue to establish a political solution and protect civilians. The Secretary-General has characterized the conflict as a nightmare of violence and one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century.
The Secretary-General has strongly called for an end to outside interference in Sudan, stating that the external flow of weapons and fighters must stop. He urges those with influence over the Sudanese parties to use that influence for peace rather than perpetuating the disaster. This is seen as necessary to prevent the country from fragmenting into opposition-held regions.
He continually states that civilians are bearing the highest price of the conflict and that their protection requires an end to the fighting now. António Guterres demands that all parties respect international humanitarian law, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access, and conduct independent investigations into all reports of violations, including sexual violence.
Sources6
As Sudan's Brutal Conflict Enters Third Year, Secretary-General Demands Renewed Focus, End to Weapons Flowing into Country, Stressing Civilians Paying Highest Price
Sudan civil war spiralling out of control, UN secretary general says
UN / GUTERRES SUDAN | UNifeed
External flow of weapons into Sudan must end, insists UN’s Guterres
UN chief urges ceasefire as Sudan conflict escalates - JURIST - News
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.