French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urges a cessation of external support for conflicting parties in Sudan during his visit to Chad. The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Barrot condemned Russia’s actions and pledged additional aid for humanitarian relief efforts, emphasizing the need for secure access to aid for Sudanese refugees.
In a recent visit to refugee camps in Chad, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged foreign nations to cease providing assistance to the conflicting parties in Sudan’s devastating civil war. The conflict, which began in April 2023, involves the Sudanese army led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both factions have been accused of committing war crimes, including civilian targeting and obstructing humanitarian aid.
This war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced over 11 million individuals. The United Nations has reported that more than 25 million people in Sudan are suffering from acute food shortages, with 2.1 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
Minister Barrot criticized Russia’s recent veto of a UN resolution advocating for a ceasefire and civilian protection, stating that Russia had “abandoned the Sudanese” and exposed its predatory ties to Africa.
With 1.5 million Sudanese refugees currently in Chad, Barrot emphasized the need for the Sudanese military to facilitate humanitarian access by maintaining open borders. He called on the RSF to halt its unlawful activities that obstruct aid delivery.
In conjunction with supporting humanitarian efforts, the French government pledged an additional €7 million ($7.4 million) aimed at combating cholera and assisting vulnerable women and children in Chad. This is in addition to the $110 million previously promised in April. Despite pledges exceeding $2 billion in support for Sudan, international concerns persist regarding the effective distribution of this aid.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has generated a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in need of urgent assistance. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has been characterized by allegations of grave human rights abuses and has precipitated severe famine conditions in affected regions. The international community, including France, is calling for an end to hostilities and a renewed focus on humanitarian aid aimed at alleviating the suffering of those displaced by the conflict. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions influence the dynamics of aid distribution and international responses to the crisis, particularly highlighted by actions from powers such as Russia, which have clouded the situation in Sudan.
In conclusion, France’s call for a halt to external support for the warring factions in Sudan reflects a pressing need for unified international action against the ongoing humanitarian disaster. With a significant number of displaced individuals and famine conditions worsening, the French government’s commitment to aid, alongside appeals for a ceasefire, underscores urgent and necessary diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace and providing essential assistance to those in dire need.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
