UK Condemns Humanitarian Crises in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo

The UK condemned the violence in Sudan and the DRC, labeling the situations as major humanitarian disasters. Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the prolonged conflict in Sudan and its devastating effects on civilians, particularly women and children. He also emphasized the need for immediate international action, including a ceasefire and humanitarian access, to address the crises and protect vulnerable populations.

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom issued a strong condemnation of the escalating violence in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), characterizing these crises as potential humanitarian disasters of unprecedented scale. In a parliamentary statement, Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the alarming situation in Sudan, where a prolonged conflict has persisted for 21 months between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recent attacks, including one on the last operational hospital in El-Fasher, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In addition to the attacks on healthcare facilities, Lammy condemned the RSF’s bombardment of the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in western Sudan and raised concerns regarding extrajudicial killings attributed to SAF-aligned militias in Wad Madani. He characterized these assaults as blatant violations of international humanitarian law, displaying a complete disregard for the welfare of innocent civilians. Lammy shared harrowing narratives of suffering from refugees at the Chad-Sudan border, highlighting that 88% of the refugees are women and children.

Addressing the situation in the DRC, Lammy described the deteriorating conflict in the eastern part of the nation, where M23 rebel forces have entered the significant city of Goma for the first time since 2012. This resurgence of violence has resulted in casualties among United Nations peacekeepers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. The humanitarian impact of this crisis is especially devastating for women and girls, with reports of children as young as nine subjected to horrific acts of violence by machete-wielding militias.

During his remarks, Lammy underscored the inadequate global attention to the crises in Africa, contrasting it with greater focus on conflicts in other regions. He called for heightened international involvement, asserting that there should not be a hierarchy of humanitarian crises. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he advocated for an immediate ceasefire between the conflicting factions in Sudan and unrestricted humanitarian access, alongside a permanent United Nations presence in the region.

The UK government has updated its travel advisories, urging British nationals to avoid the Rubavu district in western Rwanda, which borders the conflict-ridden area near Goma. Despite recognizing the complexities surrounding these conflicts, Lammy insisted that inaction is not a viable option. He lamented the feeling of powerlessness among civilians affected by the violence, asserting the UK’s commitment to focus attention on these crises and work towards their resolution.

The ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are marked by protracted violence and humanitarian crises. In Sudan, the fighting between the SAF and RSF has led to severe disruptions in healthcare and civilian safety, while in the DRC, the resurgence of rebel groups threatens the stability of major urban areas and exacerbates the plight of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Both situations reflect a broader pattern of neglect in international responses compared to other global crises, prompting calls for renewed engagement and humanitarian support.

In summary, the UK government has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating humanitarian crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the dire need for international attention and engagement, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian access and a ceasefire in Sudan, given the severe consequences of the ongoing conflicts for civilians, particularly vulnerable groups. The UK remains committed to advocating for resolution and humanitarian assistance in these conflict zones.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr

About Allegra Nguyen

Allegra Nguyen is an accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience reporting for leading news outlets. She began her career covering local politics and quickly expanded her expertise to international affairs. Allegra has a keen eye for investigative reporting and has received numerous accolades for her dedication to uncovering the truth. With a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, she blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling to engage her audience.

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