France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged an end to foreign support for Sudan’s warring factions amid severe humanitarian crises resulting from the ongoing civil war. The conflict has led to tens of thousands of deaths and mass displacement, with over 25 million civilians facing acute hunger. Barrot criticized Russia’s veto of a UN resolution for ceasefire, pledging increased aid to Chad and emphasizing the need for unrestricted access to humanitarian delivery in Sudan.
In a recent visit to refugee camps in Chad, France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, called for foreign nations to discontinue their support for the factions involved in the civil unrest plaguing Sudan. Since April 2023, Sudan’s conflict between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has aggravated humanitarian crises, culminating in severe famine and widespread displacement.
The ongoing strife, marked by allegations of war crimes and the targeting of civilians, has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and displaced over 11 million, with 2.1 million seeking refuge outside the country. The United Nations warns that more than 25 million Sudanese are currently facing acute hunger—a staggering statistic amid these escalating tensions.
Minister Barrot criticized Russia, which vetoed a recent United Nations resolution advocating for a ceasefire and civilian protection. He asserted that Russia had “abandoned the Sudanese” and displayed a self-serving relationship with Africa that is characterized by “greed, cynicism and hypocrisy.” He urged the Sudanese armed forces to facilitate humanitarian aid by keeping key crossing points open, particularly the Adre crossing, which is vital for access to famine-hit Darfur.
Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reiterated his country’s neutral position regarding the conflict, emphasizing a shared aspiration for peace. Additionally, Minister Barrot pledged an increase of seven million euros ($7.4 million) in assistance aimed at tackling cholera and supporting women and children in Chad, building upon a previous commitment of $110 million made in April. Several nations have collectively pledged over $2 billion toward humanitarian efforts in Sudan, although concerns persist regarding the effective delivery of this aid.
The civil war in Sudan commenced in April 2023 and involves fierce battles between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, both of which face grave accusations of human rights violations. This conflict has led to one of the most significant humanitarian crises in recent history, displacing millions of individuals and exacerbating food insecurity throughout the region. Critically, the role of foreign interventions and international diplomatic efforts, including those from France, is pivotal in aiming for an effective cessation of hostilities and in facilitating humanitarian aid. Chad, being a neighboring country, has become a refuge for many fleeing the violence and is intimately affected by the consequences of this crisis, making international aid essential for both humanitarian purposes and regional stability.
In summary, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has underscored the imperative for international actors to cease supporting conflicting parties in Sudan amidst a grave humanitarian crisis. The situation has resulted in devastating consequences for the civilian population, with substantial displacement and acute hunger now rampant across Sudan. Barrot’s visit to Chad, accompanied by a pledge of additional humanitarian support, reflects ongoing efforts to address these challenges while calling out foreign complicity in the conflict. The international community must act decisively to provide aid and foster a peaceful resolution to the conflict, addressing the needs of millions in dire circumstances.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
