France Urges Ceasefire in Sudan Conflict and Expands Aid to Chad

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has urged foreign nations to halt their support for the conflicting sides in Sudan during his visit to refugee camps in Chad. The civil war, ongoing since April 2023, has caused widespread devastation, displacing millions and leading to severe humanitarian crises. Barrot criticized Russia’s role in vetoing a UN resolution for a ceasefire and pledged additional aid for Chad amid significant concerns about delivering assistance to Sudanese populations.

On Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited refugee camps in Chad, calling for foreign nations to cease their support for the factions involved in the devastating civil war in Sudan. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has erupted between the Sudanese army, commanded by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by former deputy leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both factions are accused of committing war crimes, including assaults on civilian populations and obstruction of humanitarian assistance.

The civil unrest has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and displaced over 11 million individuals, with 2.1 million of them seeking refuge in other countries. The United Nations has reported that more than 25 million people, amounting to over half of Sudan’s population, are confronting acute food insecurity.

Minister Barrot criticized Russia for vetoing a UN resolution that advocated for a ceasefire and civilian protection, characterizing Russia’s actions as neglectful towards the Sudanese people and a revealing indicator of their exploitative relations in Africa. He stated, “Russia has abandoned the Sudanese” and further emphasized that its relationship with Africa is premised on “greed, cynicism and hypocrisy.”

Approximately 1.5 million Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad, which has a population of 20 million. Barrot requested that the Sudanese military maintain open access at the Adre crossing and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that hinder humanitarian efforts. He also appealed to the RSF to end looting and ensure the safe passage of aid convoys.

Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reaffirmed his nation’s stance of neutrality in the conflict, emphasizing a commitment to fostering peace. In addition, Minister Barrot announced an allocation of 7 million euros (approximately $7.4 million) to assist in combating cholera and supporting women and children in Chad, supplementing France’s earlier commitment of $110 million made in April 2023. While several countries have pledged over $2 billion in aid for Sudan, there remains significant concern regarding the effective distribution of assistance to those in need.

The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, pits the Sudanese army against the RSF and has led to widespread humanitarian crises, including famine and mass displacement. The conflict’s escalation has been marked by severe human rights violations and attacks on civilian areas. Neighboring Chad has become a significant refuge for those fleeing the violence, attracting approximately 1.5 million Sudanese refugees. International efforts to address the humanitarian catastrophe and restore peace are being hampered by geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding foreign interventions and aid delivery mechanisms.

In conclusion, France’s call for a cessation of foreign support for warring factions in Sudan highlights a critical stage in the ongoing conflict, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian aid and civilian protection. The French government continues to show its commitment to alleviating suffering in Chad and supporting Sudanese refugees. The international community faces an imperative to navigate the complexities of aid distribution amid the challenging backdrop of escalating violence and geopolitical tensions.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com