The United Nations Secretary-General has voiced deep concerns over escalating violence in West Darfur about two weeks after the African Union-United Nations hybrid peacekeeping mission in the region (UNAMID) ended its operations there.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres called on the Sudanese authorities to "expend all efforts to de-escalate the situation” and protect civilians. 

According to media reports, it is noted, at least 83 people, including women and children, were killed and more than 160 wounded in inter-communal clashes this past weekend. 

Several houses are also said to have been destroyed and about 50,000 people displaced. 

Guterres called on Khartoum to "bring an end to the fighting, restore law and order and ensure the protection of civilians, in accordance with the Government’s National Plan for Civilian Protection.” 

The violence occurred about two weeks after UNAMID ended its operations at the end of 2020. The Mission is currently drawing down and the process is expected to complete by the end of June 2021.