The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan has faced serious security breaches amid ongoing clashes in the country. Reports describe looting of the humanitarian office in South Darfur, an act viewed by the UN as a direct disruption to essential aid operations and a breach of humanitarian law. A senior UN official commented that such acts are unacceptable and must stop immediately, underscoring the urgent need to protect frontline responders who deliver life-saving relief to civilians caught in conflict.
In addition to property damage, there have been credible accounts of violence directed at aid workers. The UN has received alerts about assaults and cases of sexual violence affecting staff and partners working under difficult and dangerous conditions. The organization reiterates its commitment to safeguarding humanitarian personnel and ensuring access for aid convoys, temporary shelters, medical care, and food distribution in areas where civilians rely on relief deliveries for survival.
Meanwhile, developments in Khartoum and other regions show various factions engaging in discussions aimed at reducing hostilities. A senior member of Sudan’s Sovereign Council indicated that a 24-hour ceasefire was proposed, with a start at 18:00 local time, aligning with 19:00 Moscow time, as part of a broader effort to de-escalate fighting and create space for humanitarian intervention. The plan includes monitoring mechanisms to gauge adherence by security forces, with expectations that all sides will comply to protect civilians and allow safe passage for relief operations.
Military authorities have expressed their intention to observe the ceasefire and to observe how the Rapid Support Forces and other units implement the pause. Observers note that the success of any ceasefire hinges on credible verification, sustained calm on the ground, and consistent access for aid deliveries to vulnerable communities. The public statements emphasize a shared responsibility among national actors and international partners to prevent further harm and to facilitate urgent medical care, food distribution, and protection for those displaced by the fighting.
As the conflict continues, casualty figures and the scale of displacement have raised alarm among humanitarian agencies. The latest reports indicate a rising toll, with hundreds of injuries recorded as clashes persist between the regular armed forces and rapid-response security units. Aid agencies stress that even short lulls in fighting can save lives by enabling the safe relocation of residents, the distribution of essential supplies, and the reopening of damaged clinics and water systems. The international community remains focused on preserving humanitarian corridors and ensuring that relief workers can operate independently of the fighting to reach those in need. The overarching objective remains clear: protect civilians, guarantee safe access for aid, and support a rapid return to stability once security improves.