ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Sudan, warning of the imminent risk of mass atrocities and calling for an immediate halt to violence, unimpeded humanitarian access and renewed efforts toward a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led political process, according to a press release by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN.
Delivering Pakistan’s national statement at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Sudan, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, expressed deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation, noting that after more than three years of conflict, civilians continue to bear the heaviest burden.
He condemned attacks on schools, hospitals, markets, places of worship and other facilities indispensable to civilian life, describing the situation around El Obeid as particularly alarming. Citing reports of substantial RSF military reinforcements, he warned of the risk of a ground offensive and referred to the group’s record of grave abuses in Darfur and other parts of Sudan, including indiscriminate killings, ethnic violence, sexual violence and forced displacement.
The ambassador urged the RSF to immediately halt its assault on El Obeid, refrain from further escalation, fully comply with international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians. He also expressed concern over the increasing use of drones and advanced weaponry, saying it was causing greater civilian casualties, disrupting humanitarian operations and heightening the risk of wider escalation.
Calling for safe, rapid, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan, Ahmad said attacks on humanitarian personnel, convoys, warehouses and relief assets are indefensible and must cease immediately.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled position, he said Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and national institutions must be preserved. He cautioned the Security Council and the international community against actions or approaches that could weaken Sudan’s national institutions or create space for parallel military or political structures, warning that such measures would embolden armed groups, prolong the conflict and undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.
Emphasizing that there can be no military solution to the conflict, Ahmad said Sudan’s peace and stability are closely linked to the security of the wider African and Arab regions, adding that restoring stability in Sudan should be regarded as a collective international responsibility.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for efforts by the United Nations, the African Union, IGAD, the League of Arab States, the QUAD and regional partners to end the conflict, protect civilians, preserve Sudan’s unity and help the country return to peace, stability and constitutional order.
The ambassador also welcomed the efforts of the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy and encouraged continued engagement to reduce tensions, facilitate humanitarian arrangements and support an inclusive political process led and owned by the Sudanese people.
