France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called for a ceasefire in Sudan’s civil war and urged foreign nations to stop aiding the warring factions. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Barrot condemned Russia’s opposition to a UN resolution for peace and pledged additional aid to support refugees in Chad.
In a recent visit to refugee camps in Chad, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged international actors to withdraw support from the combatants involved in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has been ravaged by famine. Since April 2023, the conflict has erupted between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Both factions have been accused of egregious war crimes including civilian targeting and aid blockades.
The humanitarian crisis has resulted in over 11 million individuals being displaced, with around 2.1 million seeking refuge abroad. The United Nations reports that more than 25 million people in Sudan—over half of the total population—are experiencing acute hunger. During his address, Minister Barrot condemned the actions of Russia, which voted against a UN resolution advocating for a ceasefire and civilian protection. He characterized Russia’s policy in Africa as “greed, cynicism, and hypocrisy.”
Barrot emphasized the necessity of maintaining the Adre crossing between Sudan and Chad, the vital corridor for humanitarian aid reaching famine-affected areas in western Sudan. He implored both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF to end violent acts that disrupt aid deliveries. Alongside Chad’s Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, who reaffirmed Chad’s neutral stance, Barrot announced €7 million in humanitarian aid for Chad to combat cholera and assist women and children, in addition to a prior commitment of $110 million from Paris.
The civil war in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, primarily pitting the armed forces against the Rapid Support Forces. Amid escalating violence, the humanitarian situation has gravely deteriorated, with millions displaced and in urgent need of aid. The international community, especially nations like France, are attempting to mediate the crisis while simultaneously providing support to neighboring countries like Chad, which are hosting a significant influx of Sudanese refugees. The political dynamics, particularly the involvement and stance of countries like Russia, further complicate the situation, drawing criticism for their role in the conflict.
In conclusion, France is actively seeking to halt the conflict in Sudan by advocating for a ceasefire and urging global actors to cease support for the combatants. The situation remains dire as millions of Sudanese face starvation and displacement, and adequate humanitarian aid is critical. France’s commitment of additional financial assistance highlights its proactive approach to alleviating the suffering of those affected by the civil war, while maintaining a stance of neutrality in the conflict itself.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
