The UK has condemned the escalating violence in Sudan and the DRC, highlighting serious humanitarian issues. Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted significant attacks on civilians and healthcare facilities. He urged for immediate international action and increased focus on these crises, calling for a permanent ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in affected areas.
The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the escalating violence in both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), labeling the situations as potentially catastrophic humanitarian crises. In a statement to Parliament, Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted severe conditions in Sudan, where an ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has persisted for 21 months. Recent violence included RSF assaults on El-Fasher’s hospital, resulting in the tragic deaths of numerous patients.
In addition to healthcare assaults, Lammy criticized the RSF’s shelling of the Zamzam camp for internally displaced individuals and reported extrajudicial killings in Wad Madani. He emphasized that such attacks display a blatant disregard for both international humanitarian law and the safety of innocent civilians. Lammy also shared harrowing stories from refugees he encountered on the Chad-Sudan border, notably emphasizing the plight of women and children.
Turning to the DRC, Lammy remarked on the deteriorating situation in the eastern region, where M23 rebels have encroached upon the city of Goma, marking the first significant advance since 2012. The resurgence of conflict has not only led to the deaths of UN peacekeepers but also displaced hundreds of thousands, significantly endangering women and children in the area. Reports indicate that militia actions are leading to grievous acts of violence, including mutilation.
Lammy expressed disappointment over the inadequate global attention these crises receive, emphasizing that conflicts should not be prioritized based on geographical location. He advocated for a permanent ceasefire in Sudan, unfettered humanitarian aid, and enhanced UN presence in affected regions. The UK has also revised its travel guidance, advising nationals to avoid certain areas near conflict zones.
The conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represent significant humanitarian disasters with long-lasting implications for regional stability and global security. In Sudan, the prolonged power struggle between government forces and paramilitary groups has led to widespread suffering and chronic humanitarian needs. Similarly, the eastern DRC has been plagued by violence from armed groups, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. As such conflicts persist, the call for international engagement and action becomes increasingly urgent to mitigate human suffering and restore peace. The international community’s attention often gravitates towards conflicts in more widely reported regions, leaving crises in Africa under-discussed. Hence, prominent figures like Foreign Secretary Lammy advocate for heightened awareness and intervention to safeguard the rights and welfare of vulnerable populations caught in these conflicts.
In summary, the UK has condemned the ongoing violence in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing the resulting humanitarian crises as among the most severe of our time. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s statements underscore the gravity of the situations, from assaults on healthcare facilities to the threats faced by civilians. The UK’s push for international action and a focus on humanitarian support reflects a commitment to alleviating suffering and maintaining global awareness of these critical issues.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr