Addis Ababa – The United Nations, alongside the African Union (AU) and the Arab League, is “fully engaged” in efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on February 14, 2026. Guterres’s remarks came during a press conference at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to escalate, creating what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing war, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of approximately 11 million people, according to UN estimates. Guterres emphasized the urgent require for a cessation of hostilities, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians caught in the crossfire. The situation demands immediate international attention and coordinated pressure on the warring parties.
“We have been very actively engaged with the African Union, the Arab League, the Quad – comprising the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt – and other key actors, to exert effective pressure for an immediate ceasefire,” Guterres told reporters. He stressed the importance of creating conditions to pressure both sides of the conflict, as well as those providing support and arms, both within and outside the African continent.
The Secretary-General, who will conclude his term at the end of the year, also addressed growing tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa. These tensions, marked by acrimonious relations in recent months, raise concerns about a potential new conflict in the region.
Guterres warned that the conflict in Sudan has the potential to destabilize the entire region, impacting neighboring countries from the Sahel to the Red Sea, as reported by the UN News on October 28, 2024. UN News detailed the scale of the crisis, noting almost 25 million people now require humanitarian assistance.
Accusations of External Support for the RSF
The United Arab Emirates has repeatedly been accused of providing weapons, personnel, and fuel to the RSF. However, the Gulf monarchy has consistently denied these allegations, despite mounting evidence from international reports and independent investigations. Guterres did not provide specific details regarding these accusations during his press conference, but acknowledged the need to address external support fueling the conflict.
Regional Tensions: Ethiopia and Eritrea
The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains fraught with tension, stemming from a deadly war fought between 1998 and 2000. Both countries accuse each other of attempting to destabilize the other. Eritrea gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after decades of armed struggle. Guterres expressed hope for reconciliation between the two nations, believing it could contribute to peace and stability on the continent.
“Ethiopia and Eritrea are two neighboring countries that have a common past marked by conflict,” Guterres stated, adding his sincere hope that the two countries would reconcile and contribute to peace and stability in the region.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The war in Sudan has created a catastrophic humanitarian situation. According to the UN, famine conditions are already taking hold in displacement camps in North Darfur, leaving 750,000 people on the brink of starvation. Millions more across the country are struggling to access food, and disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, and dengue fever, are spreading rapidly due to the collapse of the healthcare system. Sudan is currently experiencing the largest displacement crisis globally, with over 11 million people forced to flee their homes since April of last year, including nearly three million who have crossed into neighboring countries.
As António Guterres prepares to leave his post as Secretary-General at the end of the year, his continued focus on securing a ceasefire in Sudan and addressing the broader regional instability underscores the urgency of the situation. The international community’s sustained engagement will be crucial in preventing further deterioration and paving the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The immediate priority remains securing a ceasefire and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. The next steps will likely involve intensified diplomatic efforts by the UN, AU, and Arab League, as well as continued pressure on external actors to cease any support for the warring parties. The situation in Sudan demands sustained attention and a concerted international response to avert further suffering and prevent regional destabilization.
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