Saudi Arabia condemned the recent violence in Sudan’s Al Jazeera State, which has resulted in civilian casualties. The Kingdom urged a ceasefire and support for humanitarian aid. The ongoing conflict, initiated in April 2023, has claimed over 24,000 lives. The UK planned a Security Council meeting to address humanitarian issues and civilian protection efforts.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia issued a condemnation regarding the recent escalation of violence in the eastern part of Sudan’s Al Jazeera State, which has tragically resulted in civilian fatalities. The Kingdom’s foreign ministry voiced its concern over the ongoing conflict that has significantly affected women and children. In an official statement disseminated by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry denounced the violence, emphasizing that it constitutes a violation of international law and undermines the principle of civilian protection. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia urged the conflicting parties to establish a ceasefire, cease hostilities, and facilitate humanitarian assistance for those impacted by the unrest. The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to supporting the stability and unity of Sudan, a country that has been engulfed in conflict since mid-April 2023 when tensions burgeoned between military and paramilitary factions, originating in the capital city of Khartoum and spreading to various regions, including western Darfur. The ongoing war has reportedly claimed over 24,000 lives as monitored by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data organization. In a related development, Britain, which recently took on the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November, announced plans for a meeting on November 12 in Sudan to address the humanitarian crisis. Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward outlined intentions to introduce a draft resolution aimed at enhancing aid delivery and ensuring better civilian protection. This resolution will seek to build upon commitments made by the warring parties regarding civilian protection in Jeddah in 2023 and encourage mediation efforts for a ceasefire, potentially starting with localized agreements before progressing to a national ceasefire. It is important to note that such a resolution will require nine votes in favor and must avoid vetoes from the permanent members of the Security Council, namely the United States, France, Britain, Russia, and China. Additionally, the expiration of a three-month authorization granted to Sudanese authorities for the UN and humanitarian organizations to utilize the Adre border crossing with Chad for delivering assistance to Darfur is approaching in mid-November. This situation remains critical as international bodies urge a resolution to the conflict and emphasize the need for urgent humanitarian action to mitigate further loss of life and suffering among the civilian population.
Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023 due to escalating tensions between military factions and paramilitary groups. The violent clashes began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread to other regions, leading to widespread humanitarian crises, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as women and children. The international community, including organizations such as the United Nations, has been actively engaged in discussions to negotiate ceasefires and facilitate humanitarian aid amidst increasing casualties reported across the country.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the recent violence in Sudan underscores the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians. As international efforts are mobilized to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the actions taken by the United Nations and the responses from Sudanese authorities will be critical in determining the future stability and unity of Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
