Mr President,
Distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the progress made in implementing Resolution 2046, which addresses outstanding bilateral issues between Sudan and South Sudan, as well as the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
The bilateral relationship between Sudan and South Sudan remains deeply affected by the war that started in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In particular, the conflict in Sudan continues to impact the security situation in South Sudan with cross-border movements of armed groups on both sides, increasing the insecurity in and around the border area.
The conflict in Sudan and the deterioration of security are also compounding the already dire economic situation in South Sudan by affecting its primary source of revenue. South Sudan’s oil flow and exports through Sudan have experienced significant disruptions, resulting in a 24.5% contraction of its economy. Following increased bilateral engagement and new arrangements to improve security along the pipeline route and other installations, oil production and transportation resumed early this year.
However, subsequent attacks by the RSF on oil installations, notably drone strikes on fuel depots storing South Sudan’s crude in Port Sudan on 5-6 May, and another attack on 26 August on oil facilities in Heglig, near the Sudan – South Sudan border, resulted in oil spills, environmental damage and led to an emergency shutdown of operations.
In the meantime, both Sudan and South Sudan continued to engage in efforts to secure oil infrastructure and improve the bilateral economic situation. From 4 to 6 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan visited Port Sudan, where he held meetings with the Chair of the Transitional Sovereign Council, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other Sudanese officials.
The visit led to a series of bilateral agreements aimed at protecting oil facilities and pipeline installations, the establishment of a joint economic committee, the designation of a free trade zone at Port Sudan for South Sudan, and increased cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and security. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regular political consultations and regional coordination. These efforts mark a renewed bilateral commitment to stabilisation and cooperation.
Mr President,
Bilateral engagement between Sudan and South Sudan on the final status of Abyei has been at a low point since the start of the war in Sudan. South Sudan's internal political challenges have further complicated this impasse. Since 2017, the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) has not convened, and since January 2023, meetings of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) between the two countries have remained suspended.
The Sudan conflict continues to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Abyei. About 41,000 displaced people from Sudan have entered Abyei since the start of the Sudan war, placing immense pressure on already limited water, food, healthcare, shelter and other humanitarian resources. Families live in overcrowded conditions, with some households accommodating multiple displaced families. Communities are unable to start agricultural activities due to displacements and insecurity.
The war in Sudan also increased the pressure on the Amiet market with an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people from Kordofan converging around the Amiet area. Combined with rural populations relocating to major towns due to conflict and flooding, this has led to a significant population surge in the Abyei area.
The war in Sudan is also affecting the security situation in Abyei. I note with concern that the growing presence and activities of the RSF in northern Abyei violates the 2011 Agreement on Interim Arrangements and the applicable Security Council resolutions on Abyei. Similarly, the South Sudanese Peoples' Defence Forces (SSPDF) have increased their presence in southern Abyei, breaching the same agreement and resolutions. These military activities in and around Abyei have significantly impeded the operations of UNISFA.
Although Abyei has enjoyed a relative period of calm in terms of intercommunal conflicts between the Ngok and Twic Dinka, as well as between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya, recent clashes between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO, and increased attacks by armed Nuer elements on local communities, have heightened insecurity in the region. Both the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities share growing frustrations over the years of political uncertainty and the perceived inaction of both governments regarding the future of Abyei.
Against this backdrop, and in a welcome renewed effort to advance the Abyei political process, President Salva Kiir reconstituted the South Sudan Abyei High Level Committee last month. In my meeting with the Committee on 27 October in Addis Ababa, I expressed my full support for all efforts to improve the situation in Abyei and address its final status. While commending the stabilising role of UNISFA, the Committee urged full deployment of the United Nations police force and expressed hope that international partners would renew their diplomatic efforts regarding Abyei’s final status.
Similarly, the Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, in our meeting on 20 October, welcomed the reconstitution of South Sudan's Abyei committee and assured that the Sudanese government intends to resume the joint bilateral meetings on Abyei. He also emphasised the Sudan's commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation with South Sudan to address shared security challenges.
With both South Sudan and the Sudan expressing willingness to revive the political process regarding Abyei’s future, I look forward to supporting the African Union-led process in line with the Communiqué of the 1108th Session of the Peace and Security Council that reiterated the need to accelerate the implementation of the 2011 Agreement on Temporary Security and Administrative Arrangements for the Abyei Area and to resume the bilateral political dialogue on Abyei’s final status.
Mr President,
The civilians living in the Two Areas, particularly in South Kordofan, continue to be affected by the Sudan war as the overall Kordofan region, alongside Darfur, has become the epicentre of the battle between SAF and RSF. The local population is facing increasing insecurity with intensified fighting, including drone strikes in several localities, most recently in the capital city of Kadugli, the town of Dilling and in the Dalami area.
The announcement, in February, of an alliance between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, and the RSF, as well as the subsequent constitution of joint parallel institutions, further fragilised South Kordofan and Blue Nile. This shift in the conflict highlights the deep divide between the Sudan’s “centre" and its so-called "peripheries".
This significant development is a strong indication that the settlement of the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile cannot be separated from a national political dialogue and new institutional arrangements redefining the relationship between the centre of power and populations and territories that consider themselves excluded. Mediation efforts should provide an opportunity to address the long-standing status of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, which were initially part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
In this regard, I will continue to provide support to the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, as well as the efforts of the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, seeking to end the war in Sudan and to initiate a political process that should include South Kordofan and Blue Nile states fully. I will also continue to engage with the governments of Sudan and South Sudan on further improving their bilateral relations and on ameliorating the current situation in Abyei. In addition, I will continue to provide my full support to the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development in their efforts to resolve the final status of Abyei.
Thank you for your attention.
The UN is ready to support Sudan and South Sudan in resuming talks on the disputed Abyei border region, the Security Council heard on Wednesday.
New analysis of hunger and malnutrition in war-torn Sudan has revealed sharp contrasts along conflict lines, three UN agencies reported on Tuesday.
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Any transition in Gaza must uphold unity with the West Bank and a two-State solution between Israelis and Palestinians, the UN Secretary-General said in Doha on Tuesday.
Sudan’s hunger crisis has deepened further, with new UN-backed analysis confirming that famine is underway in parts of Darfur and Kordofan, where fighting and sieges have cut off entire communities from food and aid.
After two years of war that kept them out of classrooms, Gaza’s children are finally returning to the classroom, surrounded by devastation – but determined to learn.
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Building on the success of their 2025 joint campaign on information integrity, the United Nations in Lebanon and...
Mr. President
Since my last briefing to this Council, the conflict in Sudan has deteriorated even further. It has caused widespread suffering and new surges of horrific violence.
After more than 500 days under siege, the city of El Fasher in North Darfur has been captured by the Rapid Support Forces. Only small pockets of resistance remain.
The fall of the city marks a significant shift in the security dynamics. The implications for the people of Sudan and the region are significant.
Other parts of the country have not been spared from the relentless violence.
In recent weeks, fighting has intensified in the Kordofan region. This is likely the next arena of military focus for the warring parties.
In North Kordofan, the city of Bara, just 40 kilometers from the state capital of El Obeid and a strategic location for both sides, was captured by the Rapid Support Forces last week. This marked another escalation on the ground.
Drone strikes by both parties are also affecting new territories and new targets. These include Blue Nile, Khartoum, Sennar, South Kordofan and West Darfur, suggesting that the territorial scope of the conflict is broadening.
Following the announcement of its reopening, the airport in Khartoum quickly became the target of a barrage of drone attacks. This showed that control of the city remains contested, and that no part of Sudan is beyond reach.
The implications of these drone strikes are clear – mounting civilian casualties, increased humanitarian and protection needs, and the continued erosion of essential infrastructure and livelihoods.
Mr. President,
Shifting military dynamics continue to shape the course of the conflict. The human cost is profound.
The risk of mass atrocities, ethnically targeted violence and further violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual violence, remains alarmingly high across the country, and particularly in El Fasher.
The situation is simply horrifying. In the past week, the UN Human Rights Office has documented widespread and serious human rights violations in and around El Fasher. These include credible reports of mass killings in various locations and summary executions during house-to-house searches and as civilians have tried to flee the city.
Communications have been cut off. The situation is chaotic. In this context, it is difficult to estimate the number of civilians killed.
Despite commitments to protect civilians, the reality is that no one is safe in El Fasher. There is no safe passage for civilians to leave the city.
There are also reports of large-scale atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces in Bara, in North Kordofan, following the recent capture of the city. These included reprisals against so-called “collaborators”, which are often ethnically motivated.
At least 50 civilians have been killed over the past few days in Bara, both during fighting and as a result of summary executions. This allegedly includes the summary execution of five Red Crescent volunteers.
The United Nations will continue to call for all those with influence to act now to prevent further violations and atrocities.
Efforts towards accountability will also continue to be essential to end the cycles of violence. The recent renewal of the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate, and the ICC verdict in the case of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman signal the international community’s continued commitment to justice and accountability in Sudan.
Mr. President
This week the Secretary-General once again renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
It is high time to take the first step towards lasting peace for the Sudanese people.
The parties must return to the negotiating table, in good faith. They must pursue a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
An immediate end to the fighting and sustained dialogue are needed to reverse Sudan’s spiraling descent into de facto fragmentation.
The Secretary-General has also been unequivocal in his call for external interference in Sudan’s conflict to stop.
External support is enabling the conflict. Weapons and fighters continue to flow into Sudan, further contributing to the already desperate situation.
Mr. President,
Given the deteriorating situation on the ground, Personal Envoy Lamamra has invited both parties to separately enter into technical talks with the United Nations, focused on de-escalation and the protection of civilians.
He has received encouraging indications from both parties of their willingness to commit to this process.
We urge Member States with leverage over the parties to encourage them to take this critical step which could lead to an improvement in the protection of civilians throughout Sudan.
Mr. President,
Coordination among Sudan’s international partners is essential to maximize our collective efforts to end this war. In this regard, Personal Envoy Lamamra has intensified his engagements with regional and international actors.
The Quartet mechanism - comprising the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States and the United Nations - is preparing an inter-Sudanese dialogue, under the auspices of the African Union, which could pave the way for a Sudanese-owned and led political process.
Consultations are ongoing with key Sudanese stakeholders to refine the design, timeline and criteria for participation, and map out the role of the sponsoring organisations.
Personal Envoy Lamamra is also coordinating his efforts with members of the Quad initiative - comprising Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Mediation efforts by regional and international actors are welcome and essential. To be effective and deliver solid outcomes, they must be underpinned by strong coordination, ensuring complementarity and coherence with other efforts.
In that regard, Personal Envoy Lamamra is currently finalizing consultations with the African Union on the next Consultative Group meeting, to be jointly convened at Ministerial level by the African Union and the United Nations in Addis Ababa.
This meeting will provide an opportunity for all mediation actors to exchange information, take stock of efforts and map out areas of complementarity and comparative advantage as they consider next steps.
Mr. President,
As the conflict reaches yet another critical point, we must intensify our call for an urgent and lasting solution.
Reports and warnings about the unfolding catastrophe in El Fasher have been issued for months. Thus far, the Unted Nations Security Council has not taken decisive action to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
We must all play our part in helping to bring this devastating war to an end. We must stand with the people of Sudan who have suffered far too much for far too long.
I call on the Council to use all the tools at its disposal to demand peace in the Sudan. We count on the Council to lead the way.
El Fasher has “descended into an even darker hell,” senior UN officials warned on Thursday, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia seized control of the North Darfur capital after a 500-day siege, forcing tens of thousands to flee on foot amid reports of mass executions, rape and starvation.
The newly appointed Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, has praised the country’s peace process as “a global model,” while urging greater financial support to strengthen the Mission’s work.
Reports of mass atrocities in and around the newly-captured city of El Fasher in Darfur mark a new low in Sudan's brutal civil war and the Security Council met in emergency session on Thursday morning in New York to address the rapidly deteriorating situation. Civilians are facing starvation and mass displacement as the UN continues providing lifesaving aid throughout the country. Follow our in-depth live coverage; UN News app users can go here.
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Russian armed forces conducted another large-scale combined attack across Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday, reportedly targeting critical energy infrastructure, said the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission for Ukraine.
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The UN General Assembly on Wednesday has – for the 33rd consecutive year – adopted a resolution calling for an end to the decades-long United States embargo against Cuba.
South Sudan faces a renewed slide into full-scale conflict unless urgent international action is taken, the UN-appointed independent investigative body examining human rights there warned on Wednesday.
Horrific stories of mass-atrocities committed by the RSF militia continue to emerge, along with the tens of thousands of civilians who have fled the North Darfur city of El Fasher in Sudan.
The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the killing of civilians, including children, in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza overnight into Wednesday, calling for all parties to uphold their commitments to the fragile ceasefire
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Aid teams in Gaza are racing to meet urgent needs with tens of thousands still displaced, sheltering in damaged buildings and makeshift sites, while reports of renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas threaten to derail the ceasefire.
After 500 days of siege, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia have reportedly taken control of the key Sudanese city of El-Fasher in Darfur, triggering widespread fear among families, and forcing thousands of civilians to flee.
More than 470,000 movements by civilians heading north inside the Gaza Strip have been recorded since the ceasefire began, said the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) on Monday.
Airstrikes and ongoing conflict in Ukraine are leaving civilians – including thousands of children – without homes, power, water and basic services, as humanitarians warn the approaching winter is heightening the risks for communities along the frontlines.
Funding cuts are dismantling the frontline organisations working to end violence against women and girls, the UN’s gender equality agency warned on Monday.
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The UN’s top humanitarian official has called for an immediate ceasefire in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur region, amid reports of significant civilian deaths, attacks on hospitals and the city’s reported capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
