The UK condemned escalating violence in Sudan and the DRC as severe humanitarian crises. Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted horrific conditions faced by civilians, including attacks on hospitals and displacement of families. He called for immediate international intervention and emphasized the need for humanitarian access and protection for vulnerable populations. The UK also revised travel advisories for citizens amid growing insecurity.
On Tuesday, the United Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the escalating violence in both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), labeling the situations as significant humanitarian crises. During a statement in Parliament, Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed the severe humanitarian conditions in Sudan, where fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has persisted for 21 months. Recently, RSF forces attacked the last operational hospital in El-Fasher, Darfur, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Furthermore, Lammy criticized the RSF for shelling the Zamzam camp for internally displaced individuals in western Sudan and highlighted alarming reports of extrajudicial killings by SAF-aligned militias occurring in Wad Madani. “These attacks show a callous disregard for international humanitarian law and innocent Sudanese civilians,” he declared. After visiting the Chad-Sudan border, Lammy recounted the harrowing experiences shared by refugees, noting that 88% of them are women and children.
Shifting focus to the DRC, Lammy noted the intensifying conflict in the eastern region, where M23 rebels have advanced into the major city of Goma for the first time since 2012. This offensive has resulted in fatalities among UN peacekeepers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay, with hundreds of thousands displaced. He underscored the region’s perilous status, especially for women and girls, with reports of extreme violence including the mutilation of children by armed militias.
In his address, Lammy criticized the lack of global focus on Africa’s crises compared to other regions, stating, “There should be no hierarchy of conflicts,” and urged for an increase in international participation. He called for a permanent ceasefire in Sudan, unhindered humanitarian access, and a continuous UN presence in the region. In addition, the UK updated its travel advisories for British citizens, recommending avoidance of the Rubavu district in western Rwanda, adjacent to the conflict-ridden Goma.
Despite the complex nature of these conflicts, Lammy asserted that passivity was unacceptable. “Civilians in Sudan and eastern DRC must feel so powerless. Power seems gripped by those waging war around them,” he remarked. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to raising global awareness and striving to bring an end to these tragedies.
The ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have resulted in severe humanitarian crises that have lasted for months, leading to loss of life, displacement, and violations of human rights. The UK government has taken a stance by condemning the violence and calling for international action to address the suffering endured by civilians. The backdrop reveals the dire circumstances faced by refugees, especially women and children, amid escalating hostilities fueled by armed factions and militias.
The United Kingdom has taken a definitive stance against the worsening humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, calling for urgent international intervention. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s statements highlight the pressing need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief, with critical emphasis on the protection of civilians. The emphasis on raising global awareness reflects a recognition of the need for collaborative efforts to crucially address and resolve these conflicts.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
