UN, IGAD and EU condemn drone strikes on Port Sudan, warn of worsening humanitarian crisis

A large plume of smoke rises from a fuel depot in Port Sudan, Sudan. (Photo: REUTERS/Khalid Abdelaziz)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Thursday, May 8, 2025

Highlighting the absence of political will among the warring parties to pursue dialogue, Guterres called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities" and urged all actors to engage constructively with existing mediation mechanisms.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced grave concern over the recent escalation of violence in Sudan, particularly the drone strikes targeting the city of Port Sudan, which have further complicated humanitarian operations and endangered civilian lives.

In a statement delivered by his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, on Wednesday, Guterres warned that "this major escalation could lead to large-scale civilian casualties and further destruction of critical infrastructure."

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He expressed alarm at the spread of fighting into Port Sudan — a Red Sea city that had become a vital refuge for those displaced from Khartoum and other conflict zones.

"They must not direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects; must take all feasible precautions to avoid, and in any event to minimise, incidental civilian casualties; and must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need," said Dujarric.

Highlighting the absence of political will among the warring parties to pursue dialogue, Guterres called for an "immediate cessation of hostilities" and urged all actors to engage constructively with existing mediation mechanisms.

"Dialogue is the only way to achieve the peace that the people of Sudan demand," the statement concluded.

Port Sudan has served as a temporary administrative capital and humanitarian hub since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. Witnesses have reported renewed drone strikes on the city this week, in what officials describe as a targeted campaign against civilian infrastructure.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has also condemned the attacks in the strongest terms. "These attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must come to an immediate end," said IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu.

"Port Sudan has long served as a vital humanitarian and logistical lifeline for millions of Sudanese. Any assault on this critical hub further compounds human suffering and impedes the delivery of urgently needed assistance."

Dr Gebeyehu urged all parties to halt hostilities and resume dialogue, stressing IGAD's commitment to a peaceful resolution. "IGAD remains fully engaged with all stakeholders in support of efforts to protect civilians and preserve regional stability."

The European Union echoed these concerns, directly condemning the RSF for its reported use of drone strikes.

"These attacks, which targeted critical infrastructure including civilian facilities, mark a significant and troubling expansion of the conflict into previously unaffected regions," Anouar El Anouni, Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in a statement.

"Such actions, supported by international backers, not only threaten the safety and well-being of Sudanese civilians and international staff residing in Port Sudan but also undermine regional stability and violate international humanitarian law," it added.

The EU renewed its call for all external actors supplying arms or financial support to the belligerents to halt their involvement.

"We stand in solidarity with the African Union and international partners in urging inclusive dialogue and a renewed commitment to peace. The protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access must be prioritised," the spokesperson added.