French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for a halt to foreign support for warring factions in Sudan while visiting refugee camps in Chad. The ongoing conflict, which has led to severe humanitarian crises and widespread dislocation, has prompted Barrot to urge both the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. He also announced additional financial support for Chad to address the needs of refugees and combat health issues.
In a recent visit to refugee camps in Chad, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged the international community to cease support for the conflicting parties in the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The war, which has been raging since April 2023 between the Sudanese army led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has led to severe humanitarian crises, causing the displacement of over 11 million people and resulting in acute hunger for over half the population of Sudan.
Barrot condemned the actions of Russia, which recently vetoed a UN resolution promoting a ceasefire and the protection of civilians. He criticized Russia for “abandoning the Sudanese” and highlighted its exploitative relationship with Africa. Approximately 1.5 million Sudanese refugees have sought refuge in Chad, where Barrot emphasized the need for the Sudanese armed forces to facilitate humanitarian aid by keeping the Adre crossing open.
He called on the RSF to halt looting activities that hinder aid delivery. The Foreign Minister pledged an additional seven million euros in support for cholera relief and assistance for women and children in Chad, complementing a previous commitment of $110 million made in April. Despite the commitment of several nations to provide over $2 billion in aid to Sudan, there remain significant concerns regarding the effective delivery of such assistance.
The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has escalated into a humanitarian catastrophe, with ongoing violence primarily between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Both factions have been accused of committing war crimes and contributing to the grave suffering of civilians. The situation is exacerbated by a severe food crisis, with over 25 million people facing acute hunger in Sudan. Neighboring Chad has become a refuge for many fleeing Sudan, with approximately 1.5 million refugees entering its borders. This has placed additional strain on Chad, which has expressed a commitment to neutrality in the conflict, aiming to provide assistance without taking sides.
The international community faces pressing challenges in addressing the Sudanese civil war, particularly regarding humanitarian aid delivery amid ongoing violence. France’s condemnation of Russia’s actions highlights the geopolitical complexities influencing the crisis. As millions of Sudanese suffer from the fallout, concerted efforts are required to facilitate aid and promote a ceasefire, ensuring that those in dire need receive necessary support. The pledges of financial assistance from France and other nations signify a collective acknowledgment of the urgency of the situation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
