French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called on foreign powers to halt support for the opposing sides in the Sudanese civil war, urging them to facilitate humanitarian aid to affected populations. The conflict has generated extensive displacement and acute hunger among the populace, while Barrot condemned Russia’s actions regarding a recent UN ceasefire resolution. He additionally announced increased aid for Chad, which hosts a significant number of Sudanese refugees.
During a visit to refugee camps in Chad, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged international actors to cease their support of the belligerents in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has resulted in widespread famine and humanitarian crises. The conflict, ignited in April 2023, pits the Sudanese army, under General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, both of whom have faced serious allegations of war crimes involving the targeting of civilians and the obstruction of aid. Tragically, this warfare has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 11 million individuals, with more than half of Sudan’s population experiencing acute hunger, according to UN estimates.
Minister Barrot condemned Russia’s recent veto of a UN resolution aimed at achieving a ceasefire and protecting civilians, labeling it as a demonstration of abandonment towards the Sudanese people. He specifically called upon the Sudanese armed forces to maintain the vital Adre border crossing open to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, urging the RSF to refrain from acts of looting that hinder relief efforts. In conversation with Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, Barrot reiterated Chad’s neutral stance in the conflict while also announcing a further donation of 7 million euros to combat cholera and support women and children in Chad, part of a broader commitment already set at 110 million dollars from earlier in the year.
Despite international commitments of over 2 billion dollars towards Sudan’s aid, concerns persist regarding the effective allocation of this nourishment to the needy population, especially amidst ongoing violence.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly civil war fueled by conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF, which has drastically worsened humanitarian conditions across the nation. The conflict has displaced a staggering number of people and has been marked by atrocities against civilians, prompting urgent calls from global leaders for intervention and support for refugees in neighboring countries, particularly Chad. The international response has included pledges of substantial financial aid, although logistical challenges continue to hinder effective distribution to those in need.
In summary, the French Foreign Minister’s appeal for an end to external support for the warring factions in Sudan highlights the international community’s growing concern over the humanitarian crisis precipitated by the ongoing conflict. His commitment to aid efforts underscores a proactive approach to mitigating the impact of the war on vulnerable populations in Chad. The situation in Sudan remains precarious, necessitating persistent collective action to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those most affected.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
