The UN has not left Sudan despite the temporary relocation of hundreds of its staff members and their families from Khartoum, the UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, has said.

Mr Dujarric said this while briefing journalists on Tuesday in New York on the situation of UN staff as the intense fighting between rival military factions continues into the second week.

“Mr Volker Perthes, the humanitarian leadership are now in Port Sudan, where they will run the UN operations from there. Perthes continues to be highly engaged with the parties,” stated the UN spokesman. “I think delivering the same message that the international communities are delivering, which is to observe the ceasefire. We need a humanitarian pause.”

He explained that the fighting should be stopped “immediately” to get humanitarian aid to those who desperately need it.

“But I think the most important thing is that we are remaining in Sudan at the highest level. And we’re continuing to engage with the parties and continuing to plead for a cessation of the hostilities,” he said.

While addressing the Security Council meeting on maintaining international peace, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said, “Let me be clear: the United Nations is not leaving Sudan. Our commitment is to the Sudanese people in support of their wishes for a peaceful and secure future. We stand with them at this terrible time.”

Mr Guterres said the relocation exercise had been carried out “without incident,” adding that he appreciated the cooperation shown by Sudanese army personnel and paramilitaries from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allowing safe passage to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

Mr Guterres affirmed “the continued dedication” of the UN “to stand with, and work for, the Sudanese people, in support of their wishes for a peaceful, secure future and a return to the democratic transition.”

The warring military factions had worked together since the ousting of long-term ruler Omar al-Bashir, four years ago, carrying out a military coup in a joint operation in 2021 which ended a military-civilian power-sharing agreement.

(NAN)