France Calls for Ceasefire in Sudan Conflict and Pledges Aid to Chad
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for the cessation of international support for warring factions in Sudan during a visit to Chad’s refugee camps. The ongoing conflict has displaced millions, caused severe hunger, and led to war crime accusations against both parties. Barrot condemned Russia’s recent UN veto and pledged additional aid to assist refugees in Chad, stressing the necessity for unobstructed humanitarian access to affected regions.
In a recent visit to refugee camps in Chad, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called upon the international community to halt support for the conflicting factions in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. This conflict, which has persisted since April 2023, features a battle between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), formerly commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, including millions displaced and acute hunger affecting over half of Sudan’s population.
Minister Barrot explicitly condemned Russia for vetoing a recent UN resolution advocating for a ceasefire, stating that Russia has “abandoned the Sudanese” and has forged a relationship with Africa characterized by “greed, cynicism, and hypocrisy.” As a consequence of the violence, approximately 1.5 million Sudanese refugees have sought refuge in Chad, further straining the resources of a country already facing its own challenges.
Barrot urged Sudanese forces to maintain the Adre crossing, the sole access point for humanitarian aid to the famine-stricken Darfur region, and called for the RSF to cease activities that impede humanitarian efforts. Additionally, he announced a pledge of seven million euros for aid in Chad, building upon an earlier commitment of $110 million from France to counter the cholera outbreak and assist vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Meanwhile, while over $2 billion has been pledged for aid to Sudan, concerns regarding the effective distribution of this aid remain paramount.
Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in April 2023, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated dramatically, leading to tens of thousands of fatalities and displacing over 11 million individuals. The internal conflict predominantly pits the Sudanese army against the RSF, both of whom face war crime accusations. The ongoing violence exacerbates an already critical food crisis, with the UN reporting that over 25 million people are suffering from acute hunger. As neighboring Chad struggles to accommodate a significant influx of refugees, international efforts for a ceasefire and coordinated humanitarian aid have become essential.
In summary, the international community is called to action regarding the civil war in Sudan, with France leading efforts to halt external support for combatants and emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian access. The French government has pledged significant financial aid to support Chad during this crisis while condemning nations like Russia for their refusal to support ceasefire initiatives. The situation in Sudan necessitates immediate attention to alleviate the suffering of displaced populations and ensure humanitarian assistance is effectively delivered.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
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