Saudi Arabia Condemns Recent Violence in Sudan and Calls for Humanitarian Aid

Saudi Arabia condemned the recent violence in Sudan’s Al Jazeera State, which has resulted in civilian casualties, particularly affecting women and children. The Kingdom called for a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian aid while reaffirming its support for Sudan’s stability. The situation is dire, with over 24,000 reported deaths since the conflict escalated in April 2023. Britain is preparing a UN Security Council meeting to address these humanitarian issues and ensure civilian protection.

Saudi Arabia has formally condemned the recent outbreak of violence in the eastern region of Al Jazeera State in Sudan, which has led to civilian casualties. In a statement released by its foreign ministry, the Kingdom voiced concern regarding the ongoing escalation of hostilities in Sudan, emphasizing the dire reports of impact on women and children, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. The foreign ministry explicitly denounced the violent incidents in Al Jazeera State that have contributed to multiple deaths and injuries among civilians, characterizing these acts as a breach of international law and a violation of the obligation to protect non-combatants. Saudi Arabia has called upon the conflicting factions to enact a ceasefire, halt hostilities, and allow for the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need. The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to supporting Sudan’s stability and territorial integrity. Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in conflict, originally ignited by longstanding tensions among military and paramilitary leaders in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading to various regions, including western Darfur. Reports indicate that the violence has resulted in over 24,000 fatalities, as documented by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, which has been monitoring the situation since its inception. In a related note, Britain, which has recently assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November, announced plans for a meeting on November 12 to address the issues in Sudan, focusing on enhancing aid delivery and ensuring the protection of civilians. Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward indicated that a draft resolution would soon be proposed to advance measures related to these pressing humanitarian concerns, which is in alignment with commitments made by warring parties in Jeddah in 2023 regarding civilian protection. Furthermore, a three-month allowance granted by Sudanese authorities for the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to utilize the Adre border crossing with Chad for delivering aid to Darfur is set to expire in mid-November, underscoring the urgency of addressing these humanitarian needs.

The conflict in Sudan, which escalated in mid-April 2023, primarily stems from rising tensions between military and paramilitary factions. The situation has seen widespread violence, significantly affecting the civilian population. Al Jazeera State has been identified as one of the affected areas, prompting international concern over the humanitarian impact, particularly on vulnerable groups such as women and children. The international community, including Saudi Arabia and Britain, has been actively engaged in addressing the ramifications of the conflict and seeking resolutions to improve humanitarian access and civilian protection.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the violence in Sudan underscores its concern for humanitarian issues affecting civilians amid the ongoing conflict. The call for a ceasefire and the facilitation of humanitarian aid reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to the stability of Sudan. Furthermore, the upcoming discussions by the UN Security Council highlight the global emphasis on resolving the humanitarian crisis and protecting the wellbeing of civilians caught in the crossfire of this prolonged conflict.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com