UN chief urges for immediate end of hostilities in Sudan

BUJUMBURA -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to violence in Sudan after meeting Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye in Bujumbura, the economic hub of Burundi, Friday.

Guterres met the Burundian president on the sidelines of the 11th summit of heads of state of the Regional Oversight Mechanism on the Addis Ababa framework agreement of Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region taking place in Bujumbura Saturday.

"We urge an immediate end of hostilities currently taking place in Sudan," said Guterres.

He commended mediation efforts deployed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional trade block, in attempting to settle the Sudanese crisis.

Guterres also indicated that the situation in eastern DRC remains "concerning."

He commended Burundi for its efforts in governance and its contribution to peace restoration in eastern DRC and in other peacekeeping missions.

"I had the opportunity to express my admiration for the remarkable progress that Burundi has made in relation with reconciliation, democratic governance and the economic development," said Guterres in the statement after meeting Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye.

He indicated that he assured the [Burundian] president of the UN's "strong support and commitment" to doing everything possible to mobilize a much stronger support of the international community that Burundi needs much and fully deserves.

"At the same time, I had the occasion to express my admiration for efforts that the president and the Burundian government are doing in relation with the solution in the DRC," said Guterres.

According to him, the presence of Burundian troops in the DRC within the context of the deployment of the East African force into eastern DRC has shown an "enormous efficiency and a very positive contribution" to reconciliation and hopefully to peace, and today "Burundi is a pillar for regional cooperation."