Amnesty International asserts that weapons from U.S. allies, particularly the UAE and France, are exacerbating Sudan’s civil war, which has displaced millions and created severe humanitarian conditions. The conflict, sparked by internal military tensions, has resulted in extensive fatalities and an alarming health crisis, prompting calls for expanded international arms embargoes and investigations into alleged war crimes.
Amnesty International has highlighted the critical role that weapons supplied by U.S. allies are playing in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has spiraled into a grave humanitarian crisis. The conflict has displaced approximately 13 million people, with famine affecting camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and widespread outbreaks of diseases like dengue fever, malaria, cholera, and measles particularly impacting children. Fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) due to failed negotiations aimed at integrating the RSF into the national army. The violence has resulted in staggering loss of life, with a new study estimating that around 61,000 people have died in Khartoum State alone from April 2023 to June 2024, mostly unrecorded. As the RSF advances towards El Fasher, fears grow of an impending assault that could further exacerbate the toll on civilians. Amnesty International’s report indicates that support from countries like the UAE and France is fueling ongoing hostilities, with RSF operatives reportedly equipped with advanced military technologies. As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, international oversight becomes increasingly urgent. The U.N. Security Council has been urged to extend the embargo on arms to cover all of Sudan and not just Darfur, emphasizing the need for an accountable resolution to the conflict that has ignited widespread atrocities and suffering among the Sudanese population. The U.N. has initiated investigations into alleged war crimes, marking a crucial step toward understanding and addressing the crisis.
The civil war in Sudan has persisted for 19 months and has become known as an often-overlooked conflict that is now responsible for the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. Over 13 million individuals have been forced from their homes, while famine-like conditions afflict numerous regions. Clashes began in April 2023 as internal tensions escalated following failed negotiations between rival military factions. Despite attempts by the international community, including the United States, to broker peace, progress has remained elusive.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan, driven by internal conflict and international arms support, demands urgent global attention. With millions displaced and thousands dead, the situation calls for a reassessment of arms distributions and stronger diplomatic interference aimed at ending the violence. Without decisive action, the ongoing crisis is poised to escalate, leading to more civilian suffering.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
