The United Nations is warning a Sudanese bombing campaign is causing “huge suffering” for civilians in southern Sudan. Clashes between forces from the north and the south have exploded in the South Kordofan region since earlier this month, with northern warplanes pounding opposition troops from the south. Both sides have accused the other of sparking the fighting. It is believed over 65 people have been killed in air raids over the last 10 days. In an audio message, President Obama called on northern Sudan to end military operations.

President Obama: “There is no military solution. The leaders of Sudan and South Sudan must live up to their responsibilities. The government of Sudan must prevent a further escalation of this crisis by ceasing its military actions immediately, including aerial bombardments, forced displacements and campaigns of intimidation.”

Southern Sudan is due to become independent next month under a referendum approved in January. An estimated two million people were killed in a decades-long civil war between the north and south.