French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called for a halt to foreign assistance to conflicting parties in Sudan during a visit to refugee camps in Chad. He condemned both factions for war crimes and criticized Russia’s veto of a UN ceasefire resolution. With millions displaced and extreme hunger rampant, France pledged additional financial aid to support humanitarian efforts in the region.
In a significant diplomatic intervention, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has urged international players to cease their support for the conflicting factions in Sudan, where a devastating civil war has resulted in widespread famine. During his visit to refugee camps in Chad, Barrot condemned the behaviors of both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been implicated in war crimes, including attacks on civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance. With over 11 million people displaced and acute hunger threatening more than 25 million, Barrot called for humanitarian access through the Adre crossing, crucial for aid deliveries to affected regions in Sudan.
Barrot firmly criticized Russia for vetoing a UN resolution aimed at establishing a ceasefire, stating, “Russia has abandoned the Sudanese” and described its engagement in Africa as driven by “greed, cynicism and hypocrisy.” He announced France’s commitment of an additional €7 million ($7.4 million) in aid, reinforcing Paris’s pledge of $110 million made earlier in April. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, maintained a stance of neutrality, emphasizing the need for peace in Sudan while Barrot’s humanitarian appeals heightened international awareness of the crisis’s complexities.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan erupted in April 2023, leading to a humanitarian disaster characterized by mass displacement and starvation. The conflict is primarily between the Sudanese army and the RSF, both accused of serious human rights violations. The fallout from this conflict has triggered a substantial refugee crisis, particularly affecting neighboring Chad, which hosts approximately 1.5 million Sudanese refugees. The international community is struggling to deliver aid amidst these challenges, with significant pledges made but logistical obstacles remaining a major concern.
In conclusion, France’s push for a ceasefire in Sudan highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the conflict. The call for neutral humanitarian access through the Adre crossing underscores the critical role of delivering aid to those in dire need. France’s financial commitments and the condemnation of obstructive foreign policies, particularly that of Russia, aim to foster a diplomatic environment conducive to peace and humanitarian support in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
