By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a decisive move aimed at quelling the violence in Sudan, the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone are collaborating at the United Nations Security Council to introduce a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed humanitarian aid access. This joint effort, led by Barbara Woodward, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN, is a timely response to the devastating impact of Sudan’s ongoing conflict on its civilian population.
The proposed resolution calls for an urgent halt to hostilities by all parties, particularly the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been accused of brutal assaults and widespread abuses in several regions, including east-central Sudan. The document also highlights the importance of keeping open the Adre border crossing with Chad, a critical humanitarian route that has enabled aid to reach thousands in Darfur but is now at risk of closure. The crossing, currently authorized for aid deliveries under a temporary agreement set to expire, has become a vital lifeline for those impacted by the conflict.
By co-sponsoring this resolution, Sierra Leone is reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability across the African continent and amplifying the voices calling for an end to Sudan’s suffering. The resolution further demands an end to indiscriminate airstrikes by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which have devastated areas in Khartoum, El Fasher and other civilian-populated zones.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, described the deteriorating situation as a “nightmare,” pointing to reports of widespread displacement, loss of homes and shocking violations of human rights, including sexual violence against women and girls.
With Sudan’s crisis deepening, the UN estimates over 11 million people have been displaced, with nearly three million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Food insecurity has become a significant challenge, leaving millions on the brink of famine due to abandoned farmlands and the collapse of vital infrastructure.
Sierra Leone’s leadership in this diplomatic effort not only reflects its commitment to African unity and peace but also showcases its advocacy for collaborative global solutions to address humanitarian crises. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director for Coordination at the UN’s humanitarian office (OCHA), warned of Sudan’s catastrophic humanitarian needs, noting that many areas remain inaccessible to aid workers and called for unrestricted access across all regions impacted by the conflict.
The UK and Sierra Leone’s proposed resolution is a beacon of hope for Sudan, as both nations urge the international community to rally in support of a peaceful, sustainable resolution. As the UN Security Council considers this draft, Sierra Leone’s dedication to this cause sends a strong message: regional peace and security are possible only through unified, compassionate action.
