Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates, United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Nations, and the African Union have issued a joint statement regarding the situation in Sudan following their meeting in Switzerland.
The statement welcomed the decision by Sudan’s Sovereign Council to open the Adre border crossing from Chad into North Darfur for the next three months. The delegations also acknowledged the Rapid Support Forces’ commitment to cooperate with humanitarian deliveries, particularly through the Dabbah route to Darfur and Kordofan, and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.
“These constructive decisions by both parties will enable the entry of aid needed to stop the famine, address food insecurity, and respond to immense humanitarian needs in Darfur and beyond,” the statement said. It urged the parties to immediately coordinate with humanitarian partners to operationalize these corridors with full and unhindered access.
The international delegations in Switzerland continue their efforts to support these initiatives, urging the global community and humanitarian organizations to seize this opportunity to deliver aid and save the lives of the most vulnerable.
What’s Happening in Sudan?
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict began when the SAF viewed the RSF’s redeployment across the country as a threat. This ongoing violence has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with devastating consequences for the Sudanese people.
Massive Displacement: By June 2024, approximately 12 million people—over a quarter of Sudan’s population—had been displaced. An additional 2.1 million people fled to neighboring countries, primarily Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt.
Humanitarian Crisis: The war has led to widespread famine, with 25.6 million people facing acute food insecurity. The lack of necessities, including safe shelter, healthcare, food, and water, has worsened the situation, making it difficult for aid to reach those in need.
Escalating Violence: The intensity of the conflict continues to rise, leading to more deaths and displacements. By June 2024, around two million people had died due to war, famine, and disease. On June 5, 2024, a surge in violence resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians, including women and children.
Economic Collapse: The war has crippled Sudan’s economy, causing hyperinflation and widespread poverty. The country is also experiencing a surge in diseases like cholera and malaria due to the collapse of healthcare and sanitation systems.
International efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful, leaving the situation in Sudan critical, with both sides facing accusations of brutal tactics and potential war crimes. The conflict continues to inflict widespread devastation, with no resolution in sight.
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