UN Chief Urges Immediate Action on Sudan Crisis
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a passionate appeal to halt the flow of weapons exacerbating the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Speaking at a meeting during the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Guterres stressed that civilians must be safeguarded, humanitarian access must be ensured, and the influx of arms must cease immediately. His remarks came as leaders from various nations convened in Ethiopia to address what he termed an “unprecedented humanitarian crisis on the African continent.”
Since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, Sudan has witnessed devastating consequences, with tens of thousands of lives lost and over 12 million people displaced. Guterres highlighted the urgent need for collective action to protect vulnerable populations and facilitate aid delivery in the face of escalating violence.
Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Pause
Moussa Faki, the chairperson of the African Union, echoed Guterres’ sentiments, urging all parties involved to immediately and permanently cease hostilities. He described the situation in Sudan as “the moral failure of our time,” emphasizing the necessity for a united response to end the suffering.
In a related development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its support for a “humanitarian pause” during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Ramadan. This proposal aims to provide much-needed relief to those affected by the conflict. However, Sudanese authorities have accused the UAE of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are currently engaged in combat against the national army, a claim the UAE has denied.
UAE Pledges Additional Aid Amidst Conflict
Reem al-Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, expressed concern over the prolonged war, stating, “This conflict has lasted too long, claiming too many lives and causing immense suffering.” She conveyed hope that the proposed humanitarian pause would enable unhindered aid delivery, particularly to women and children facing unprecedented hardships.
During the meeting, al-Hashimy also announced an additional $200 million commitment in humanitarian aid to Sudan. Despite this promise, US lawmakers have indicated that the UAE has not fully adhered to its previous commitments to halt military assistance to the RSF. This situation reflects the complex dynamics at play, with various nations facing accusations of supporting different factions within the ongoing conflict.
Current Dynamics of the Conflict
As the conflict rages on, the Sudanese army currently maintains control over the eastern and northern regions of the country. In contrast, the RSF dominates much of the devastated Darfur region, where the United Nations has accused it of impeding aid delivery efforts. This division of power further complicates the humanitarian situation, leaving millions in dire need of assistance.
The African Union has characterized the war as the “worst humanitarian crisis in the world,” highlighting the devastating impact on children. Last year alone, over 431,000 children required treatment for malnutrition, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and support to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese population.
