The United Nations has renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, warning that the country&rsquo;s ongoing civil war has plunged civilians into what it describes as the world&rsquo;s worst humanitarian crisis.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for an urgent truce as violence intensified across several regions, particularly Darfur and Kordofan. He said the conflict continues to inflict &ldquo;immense, unimaginable suffering&rdquo; on civilians, with no clear end in sight.
The renewed appeal follows a peace initiative presented earlier this week by Sudan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Kamil Idris to the UN Security Council. The proposal called for an immediate ceasefire monitored by the UN and the disarmament of the Rapid Support Forces, which currently controls large parts of the country. The RSF, however, dismissed the plan, rejecting any withdrawal or disarmament.
Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when a power struggle erupted between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Since then, the conflict has displaced millions, forcing people to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Tens of millions now depend on humanitarian assistance as basic services collapse and access to aid remains severely restricted.
UN officials have warned that fighting is escalating during the dry season, particularly in central Kordofan, where the RSF recently seized the strategic Heglig oilfield. The development has raised regional concerns, with South Sudanese forces reportedly crossing into Sudan to protect vital infrastructure, highlighting the growing regional dimensions of the conflict.
In North Darfur, the RSF has launched a major offensive aimed at consolidating control, attacking towns near the Chad border. The assault threatens to cut off the last escape routes for civilians fleeing the violence. Medical and advocacy groups report large-scale killings during the offensive, including women and children, with attacks allegedly carried out on an ethnic basis.
The violence has also spilled beyond Sudan&rsquo;s borders. A recent drone strike in a Chadian border town killed two soldiers, prompting Chad to place its air force on high alert and warn of possible retaliation if further attacks occur.
Amid the worsening crisis, the UN reported a rare breakthrough with its first assessment mission to el-Fasher since the city fell under RSF control. Humanitarian officials said months of siege, fighting and violations against civilians had forced hundreds of thousands to flee the area.
Despite mounting international pressure and growing evidence of mass atrocities, prospects for peace remain uncertain. While Sudan&rsquo;s government continues to push for a ceasefire without foreign peacekeeping forces, fighting on the ground shows little sign of slowing, even as the humanitarian toll continues to rise.

UN Urges Sudan Ceasefire as Civilian Crisis Worsen

Guterres warns of unimaginable suffering as fighting escalates in Darfur and Kordofan

UN Urges Sudan Ceasefire as Civilian Crisis Worsen

Guterres warns of unimaginable suffering as fighting escalates in Darfur and Kordofan

December 27, 2025 | 18:44 IST