United Nations envoy for Sudan Pekka Haavisto said the organization is exploring prisoner exchanges and access to a 12th-grade exam across Sudan to build trust as neighboring countries face the war’s human costs.
Haavisto described the proposals after an Oct. 21 meeting in Geneva co-hosted by Switzerland and the United Nations. Participants urged outside actors to refrain from supplying drones and other support for the fighting.
Abyei caretaker information minister Yohana Akol told Eye Radio that more than 220 people died in an Oct. 19 drone strike on Amiet Market. Akol said one burial site held 153 victims and another held 73. His count followed an earlier estimate of at least 153 deaths.
South Sudan summoned Sudan’s ambassador and accused Sudan’s military of striking the market. Its Foreign Ministry called for diplomacy over Abyei, whose final status remains unresolved between the two countries.
Doctors Without Borders said Ameth Bek Hospital received more than 20 wounded people, several in critical condition. Participants in the Geneva talks intend to meet again, but have set no date or venue.
