French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urges foreign nations to cease support for conflict parties in Sudan’s civil war amid a humanitarian crisis. He condemns Russia’s veto of a UN resolution and pledges additional aid for Chad, which shelters 1.5 million Sudanese refugees. The ongoing conflict, since April 2023, has led to significant casualties, mass displacement, and severe food shortages.
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, has called for an immediate cessation of foreign support to the conflicting parties in Sudan, highlighting the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing civil war. His remarks were made during a visit to refugee camps in Chad, a country that has taken in approximately 1.5 million Sudanese refugees. The civil unrest, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with millions facing acute hunger. Barrot specifically criticized Russia for vetoing a recent UN resolution aimed at establishing a ceasefire and protecting civilians in Sudan, condemning their relationship with Africa as self-serving and duplicitous.
He further emphasized the need for Sudanese armed forces to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery by keeping the Adre crossing open. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reaffirmed his country’s neutrality, expressing a vested interest in restoring peace in Sudan. As part of France’s assistance, Barrot announced an additional €7 million in aid, supporting initiatives to combat cholera and provide for vulnerable populations such as women and children. This commitment follows an earlier pledge of $110 million from Paris in April. While several nations have promised significant aid for Sudan, concerns remain about the effective distribution of resources amidst the ongoing conflict.
The conflict in Sudan, which has erupted between the Army led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has led to a devastating humanitarian situation since April 2023. The repercussions include the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of over 11 million individuals, with millions facing severe hunger. The geopolitical dynamics have attracted international criticisms and interventions, especially regarding the role of nations like Russia, potentially complicating humanitarian responses and solutions in the region.
In conclusion, France’s call for a ceasefire and the cessation of foreign support to combatants in Sudan underscores an urgent need for humanitarian intervention in a conflict that has caused immense suffering. The commitment to aid Chad highlights the interconnectedness of regional crises and the necessity for coordinated international efforts to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict. The situation remains precarious, with the international community needing to focus on effective aid distribution and peace-building initiatives in Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
