The United Nations humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, has characterized the situation in Sudan as a "brutal civil war" requiring urgent international intervention. In an interview with The Associated Press, Griffiths stressed the need for a new platform for dialogue between the warring factions to establish a cease-fire and facilitate humanitarian aid access.

Griffiths's comments come as regional leaders convene in Ethiopia following the collapse of peace talks mediated by Saudi Arabia and the United States in June. Egypt is also slated to host a meeting with Sudan's neighboring countries to explore avenues for peace.

The UN humanitarian chief lamented the absence of a dedicated forum for negotiations between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He emphasized the critical need for such a platform to broker agreements that enable the delivery of essential supplies and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. Griffiths highlighted the extreme challenges faced by aid organizations in Sudan, citing restricted access and the escalating violence spreading to new regions.

While acknowledging the limitations of the previous Saudi- and U.S.-backed talks, Griffiths recognized their role in achieving some progress in facilitating aid access. He called for a similar, albeit more efficient, mechanism to be established.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April between the Sudanese army, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. Despite multiple attempts at cease-fires, the fighting has persisted, claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions.

The Sudanese Health Minister reported over 3,000 deaths and 6,000 injuries last month, while acknowledging that the actual figures are likely much higher. The conflict has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, with nearly 3 million people displaced from their homes.

Griffiths stressed the urgent need for a forum to address humanitarian access and negotiate localized cease-fires to facilitate the delivery of aid to affected areas. He also advocated for increased representation of humanitarian organizations in any future negotiations.

The fighting in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, has seen the RSF gain control of streets, occupying civilian homes and transforming them into operational bases. The army has responded with airstrikes, often hitting residential areas and hospitals.

In the Darfur region, the conflict has taken on an ethnic dimension, with reports of the RSF and allied militias targeting non-Arab communities. U.N. officials and activists have documented widespread atrocities, including killings, rapes, and the destruction of property.