France has expressed its "dismay" over the killing of several United Nations (UN) workers in Sudan, as violence continues to spiral in the country, claiming dozens of lives, including civilians. In a statement, France's foreign ministry called for every effort to be made to stop the fighting and prevent any escalation, while also calling for the protection and respect of humanitarian personnel. The UN's food agency has announced the suspension of its work in Sudan after three staff were killed in the restive Darfur region. Battles between rival generals who seized power in a 2021 coup have led to at least 56 civilian deaths, including the UN staff, and "tens of deaths" among security forces, according to the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors.