French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on nations to cease supporting warring factions in Sudan’s civil war during his visit to Chad, highlighting the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the conflict. With millions displaced and facing acute hunger, Barrot condemned Russia’s actions and pledged additional aid to support refugees in Chad while urging effective humanitarian access to afflicted areas in Sudan.
In a poignant appeal during his visit to refugee camps in Chad, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged the international community to cease support for the conflicting factions in Sudan’s civil war, which has escalated since April 2023. The violence, primarily between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 11 million individuals, with more than 2.1 million fleeing across borders. Amid widespread famine, the United Nations has warned that more than 25 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger.
Barrot condemned Russia’s recent veto of a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire, criticizing it for neglecting the plight of the Sudanese people. “Russia has abandoned the Sudanese and unveiled its relationship with Africa, a relationship based on greed, cynicism, and hypocrisy,” he stated. As 1.5 million Sudanese refugees seek shelter in Chad, Barrot emphasized the need for unimpeded humanitarian access through the Adre crossing, the only pathway to the beleaguered region of Darfur.
He urged both the Sudanese armed forces to facilitate aid delivery and the RSF to halt actions that obstruct humanitarian efforts. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reiterated the nation’s commitment to neutrality in the conflict, expressing a collective desire to restore peace in Sudan. Barrot announced an additional pledge of €7 million to combat cholera and aid vulnerable populations, building on France’s earlier commitment of $110 million. Despite international promises totaling over $2 billion for Sudan, concerns linger regarding the effective distribution of this assistance to those in need.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has pitted the national army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in catastrophic humanitarian consequences. The conflict has not only led to significant loss of life but has also prompted massive displacement of civilians, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis marked by acute food shortages. Countries like Chad, bordering Sudan, are grappling with a surge in refugees seeking safety and aid. The international community remains divided on how to effectively address the conflict and support those affected, particularly in light of geopolitical dynamics involving major powers.
In summary, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s visit to Chad underscores the urgent call for a cessation of hostilities in Sudan and increased humanitarian support for its crisis-ridden population. With the war claiming countless lives and displacing millions, the role of international powers and neutral nations like Chad will be crucial in fostering an environment conducive to peace and aid delivery amidst the escalating humanitarian disaster.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
