UN Chief Antonio Guterres has called for an end to arms supplies to Sudan as the humanitarian crisis worsens, with over 12 million people displaced since April 2023. The African Union demands a ceasefire, and the UAE proposes a humanitarian pause during Ramadan while committing $200 million in aid. The conflict involves accusations of foreign support for opposing factions, aggravating the situation further.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged an immediate halt to the influx of weapons into Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for civilian protection and secure humanitarian access. His remarks were made during discussions in Ethiopia, coinciding with an African Union summit addressing the considerable humanitarian crisis in the region, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced over 12 million individuals since the conflict escalated in April 2023.
Moussa Faki, the chair of the African Union, echoed Guterres’s sentiments by urging all factions to “immediately and permanently cease fire,” labeling the ongoing conflict as a “moral failure of our time.” Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has called for a humanitarian pause during Ramadan to alleviate suffering and enable aid delivery, particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as women and children.
UAE Minister Reem al-Hashimy stated that the prolonged war has caused immense suffering, resulting in a commitment of an additional $200 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan. However, US lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the UAE’s past promises to withhold military support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Other nations, including Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, have similarly faced accusations regarding their involvement in the conflict between rival military factions.
In Sudan, the army maintains control over the east and northern regions, while the RSF dominates parts of Darfur, where aid accessibility has been severely restricted. The African Union has declared the situation in Sudan the “worst humanitarian crisis in the world,” with over 431,000 children treated for malnutrition just last year.
The UN chief’s call for an end to arms flow and the African Union’s push for a ceasefire highlight the desperate situation in Sudan. As humanitarian efforts are underway, notably with the UAE’s commitment to additional aid, the international community must address the ongoing military support provided by various nations to conflicting parties. These dynamics continue to fuel the crisis, emphasizing the need for collective action to stabilize the region.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
