French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has urged foreign nations to halt support for the conflicting parties in Sudan during his visit to refugee camps in Chad. Since April 2023, Sudan’s civil war has led to immense suffering, displacing millions and creating severe food shortages. Barrot condemned Russia’s actions and pledged additional humanitarian aid to assist those affected, particularly focusing on supporting refugees in Chad.
In a visit to refugee camps in Chad, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged foreign nations to cease their support for the conflicting parties in Sudan, currently trapped in a civil war exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which has persisted since April 2023, has involved clashes between the Sudanese army, under General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both factions face severe allegations, including war crimes targeting civilians and obstructing humanitarian assistance.
The civil strife has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, displacing over 11 million individuals, with 2.1 million seeking refuge outside the country. With approximately 25 million people, over half of Sudan’s population, now facing acute hunger, the need for urgent humanitarian aid has never been greater. Minister Barrot condemned Russia’s recent veto of a UN resolution advocating for a ceasefire and enhanced civilian protections, describing the Russian approach as one driven by greed and hypocrisy.
Chad, which has welcomed around 1.5 million Sudanese refugees amidst its 20 million populace, has been positioned as a neutral player in the conflict. Barrot called on the Sudanese military to maintain vital humanitarian access through the Adre crossing, the principal route into famine-ravaged Darfur, and urged the RSF to halt the looting and obstruction of aid operations. Alongside Chad’s Foreign Minister, who reiterated the country’s neutral stance, Barrot pledged an additional €7 million to assist with cholera relief efforts and to support vulnerable women and children in Chad, following a previous commitment of $110 million from France in April. Despite over $2 billion pledged by various nations for Sudan, challenges remain in ensuring that this aid effectively reaches those in need.
The civil war in Sudan, which commenced in April 2023, has ensnared the nation in a devastating conflict marked by brutal violence between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Sudan has faced severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and food insecurity rampant. The international community has attempted to intervene through humanitarian support and diplomatic resolutions, but the complexities of the conflict, particularly influenced by external actors like Russia, continue to exacerbate the situation. Chad, as a neighboring country hosting large numbers of Sudanese refugees, is playing a critical role in responding to this humanitarian catastrophe while striving to maintain neutrality in the conflict.
In summary, France is taking significant diplomatic and humanitarian measures to address the urgent needs stemming from the civil war in Sudan. By calling for a cessation of foreign support for the conflicting sides and facilitating humanitarian access, France aims to mitigate the extensive humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Minister Barrot’s condemnation of Russia’s actions highlights the importance of international cooperation in resolving the conflict and assisting those affected in Chad and Sudan, marking a pivotal moment in the humanitarian response to this catastrophe.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
