ADDIS ABABA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Sunday called on Sudanese warring parties to halt hostilities to end a year-long war.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said in a press release that he implores all belligerent Sudanese parties to immediately halt hostilities and prioritize the pursuit of a negotiated political settlement.

"The IGAD executive secretary underscores the imperative to redouble efforts in addressing the dire humanitarian situation and pervasive human suffering, recognizing the consequential ramifications of the conflict on the stability of Sudan and the broader region," the press release said.

"The enduring conflict spanning around 12 months has inflicted untold suffering upon millions of Sudanese citizens, further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis," it noted.

The IGAD chief further urged all Sudanese stakeholders to work closely with the East African bloc to secure a nationwide sustainable cessation of hostilities and implement humanitarian measures to help alleviate human suffering.

Sudan has been engulfed in violent clashes since April 15, 2023. The violence has killed thousands of civilians, displaced millions more, and destroyed much of the country's infrastructure, especially in the capital of Khartoum. ■