ISLAMABAD: Pakistan鈥檚 Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Munir Akram has called for the establishment of an independent technocratic government in Sudan to manage the transitional period and urged warring parties to declare a ceasefire, Pakistani state media reported on Friday.
The war between Sudan鈥檚 army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023 over disputes regarding the integration of the two forces, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and left half of the Sudanese population facing hunger.
The conflict has also triggered waves of ethnically driven violence, largely blamed on the RSF, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN says that nearly two-thirds of Sudan鈥檚 population, or more than 30 million people, will need aid this year.
鈥淭he appointment of an independent prime minister and formation of an independent national technocratic government to oversee the transitional period could be steps in a positive direction,鈥� the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency quoted Akram as saying at a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to discuss the Sudan situation.
鈥淭he conflict will not be resolved on the battlefield [and] war will only bring more death and destruction to the Sudanese people.鈥�
Akram condemned the signing of a charter by the RSF and its allies for a parallel governing authority in Sudan.
鈥淎ny such external intervention and any scheme that undermines the UN Charter principles will further complicate the conflict, prevent an early solution and further undermine regional and international peace and security,鈥� he said.
The Pakistan envoy urged warring parties in Sudan to abide by the international humanitarian law and facilitate humanitarian assistance in the affected areas.
United Nations Children鈥檚 Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell said the Sudanese children were enduring 鈥渦nimaginable suffering and horrific violence,鈥� calling for an immediate end to the conflict.
鈥淭his is not just a crisis, it is a poly-crisis affecting every sector, from health and nutrition to water, education and protection,鈥� she said.
鈥淚 met with families and children who are living through this nightmare. Their stories are heartbreaking 鈥� and demand immediate action.鈥�