French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for an end to foreign support for the warring factions in Sudan during his visit to Chad. He emphasized the severe humanitarian crisis, urging the Sudanese army and RSF to allow humanitarian aid. Barrot criticized Russia for its veto against a UN ceasefire resolution. France pledged an additional €7 million in aid to Chad, alongside previous commitments, as over 11 million people are displaced and facing acute hunger in Sudan.
In a significant diplomatic appeal, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has urged foreign countries to cease their support for the conflicting factions in Sudan, which has been engulfed in a devastating civil war since April 2023. During his visit to refugee camps in Chad, Barrot highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The hostilities have resulted in the displacement of over 11 million individuals, with more than 2.1 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The United Nations reports that acute hunger affects more than 25 million people in Sudan, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
While condemning Russia’s recent veto of a UN resolution advocating for a ceasefire and civilian protection, Barrot criticized the Kremlin for its exploitative tactics in Africa, describing it as a relationship characterized by “greed, cynicism, and hypocrisy.” Amidst the international response, he called on the Sudanese military to facilitate humanitarian aid by keeping the Adre border crossing operational, given its role as a critical gateway to the famine-stricken Darfur region. Additionally, Barrot implored the RSF to halt the looting and diversion of humanitarian convoys to ensure aid reaches the affected populations.
Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah emphasized Chad’s neutral stance in the conflict, expressing, “We have an interest in bringing peace back to Sudan and remaining as neutral as possible in this war.” To support humanitarian efforts in Chad, France pledged an additional seven million euros in aid, complementing its previous commitment of $110 million made earlier this year. Though multiple nations have collectively promised over $2 billion in assistance for Sudan, challenges remain in delivering the aid effectively to those in need.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war between two military factions: the Sudanese army and the RSF. This ongoing conflict has been marked by severe human rights violations, including accusations of war crimes against both sides. The humanitarian toll has been catastrophic, with millions displaced and suffering from acute hunger amidst a deteriorating situation. The international community, including France, is seeking ways to aid the refugee crisis while addressing the deeper issues at play that exacerbate the conflict.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s visit to Chad underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire in Sudan and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to affected populations. His denunciation of Russia’s actions and the commitment of additional financial support from France reflect the growing international concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The stability of the region hinges on a collaborative effort to restore peace and address the immediate needs of those affected by the conflict.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
