BY VICTORIA AMUNGA | 5484 MEDIA | NAIROBI, KENYA
- UN and U.S. condemn deadly attack on peacekeepers in South Kordofan
- More than 150,000 killed and 12 million displaced since war began in 2023
- Global calls intensify for ceasefire, accountability, and humanitarian access.
The conflict in Sudan continues to deepen, drawing renewed global condemnation following deadly attacks on United Nations peacekeepers and civilians, as the country’s civil war enters its third year.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Jeffrey Bartos strongly denounced the December 13 attack on UN peacekeepers in Kadugli, South Kordofan.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the Government of Bangladesh, whose troops were among those killed.
Ambassador Bartos also condemned alleged atrocities committed by both sides in the conflict—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
He cited disturbing reports of ethnic targeting of civilians, particularly in Wad Madani, warning that such actions may constitute grave violations of international law.
“Sudan must be held accountable for these atrocities,” Bartos said, urging both warring parties to agree immediately to a humanitarian truce without preconditions and to allow full, safe, and unhindered access for aid agencies across the country.
A War with Devastating Human Costs
Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023 following a bitter power struggle between the SAF and the RSF, a powerful paramilitary group. What began as a political confrontation has spiraled into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
According to the United Nations, more than 150,000 people have been killed, while an estimated 12 million others have been displaced from their homes.
Millions now face acute food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and the collapse of basic services.
Human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement in contested regions, further intensifying international pressure on both sides to protect civilians and respect humanitarian law.
Growing International Pressure
World leaders and international organizations have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated political solution, warning that continued fighting risks further destabilizing the wider region.
The U.S. statement at the Security Council reflects growing frustration among global actors over the stalled peace process and the escalating brutality of the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to broker lasting peace have so far failed, as hostilities continue unabated.
A Global Call for Accountability and Humanity
As Sudan’s crisis worsens, it highlights a broader global challenge: addressing violence, accountability, and historical injustice in fragile states.
While countries such as Kenya grapple with unresolved historical grievances at home, the unfolding tragedy in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution, international solidarity, and humanitarian empathy.
With civilians bearing the brunt of the violence, the international community faces mounting pressure to move beyond condemnation toward decisive action to end the suffering and restore hope for millions of Sudanese caught in the conflict.
