Children, humanitarian workers among victims of latest escalation
Global leaders and senior dignitaries gathered in London this week to work out a solution for the war in Sudan as the brutal conflict marks the start of its third year.
The conference stressed the need to prevent a partition of Sudan, with participants expressing concern over the prospect of its warring generals splitting their respective strongholds to birth a new state in the case that either fails to consolidate a full victory.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) have already declared a parallel government.
The conference was co–chaired by the AU, EU, France, Germany, and the UK. It saw foreign ministers and high-level representatives from Ethiopia, Egypt, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Norway, the UAE, Qatar, and the US, among others, attend.
However, it failed to produce an agreement, leaving Sudan staring down the barrel of further violence.
Meanwhile, the African Union has urged restraint in Sudan as escalations in El Fasher and Darfur mark the start of the third year of war with civilian deaths, including children and humanitarian workers.
An April 15 press release from AU Commissioner Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Sudan, citing credible reports of intensified attacks in Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps. Although the exact number of casualties remains unknown, children and humanitarian workers were among those killed in the attacks, according to the release.
“The AU reiterates its call for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and urges those besieging El Fasher to lift the blockade and ensure unhindered humanitarian access,” reads Youssouf’s statement. “De-escalating is urgent to protect civilians and restore peace.”
The attacks came days after the Sudanese army declared major victories against the RSF, a paramilitary group originally formed by the government of Sudan during the reign of Hussein Al Bashir to ward off Darfur rebellions.
On April 15, 2023, the RSF began its long and brutal war with the Sudanese Armed Forces led by General Al-Burhan.
The conflict has so far killed tens of thousands and forced millions to flee to neighboring countries, creating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, according to reports from the UN and rights groups.
The fighting continues to escalate despite Al-Burhan recently regaining control over the capital Khartoum.
“The African Union urges all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from any actions that could exacerbate tensions. The well-being of the Sudanese people must remain the foremost priority, and all efforts must be directed towards ensuring an environment conducive to lasting peace and development,” reads the AU release. “The AU remains committed to working with Sudanese stakeholders, regional partners, and the international community to protect civilians and restore peace, stability, and democratic governance in Sudan.”
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian delegation that participated in a conference on Sudan’s predicament in London on Tuesday communicated Ethiopia’s position that the conflict should be resolved by the Sudanese people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A statement from the Ministry cited Redwan Hussein, Ethiopian intelligence chief, as saying that a comprehensive and inclusive peace process is necessary to put an end to the Sudan crisis.
During the London International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, the United Kingdom and the European Union pledged a combined USD 750 million in food assistance for 650,000 people in Sudan.
The war has placed more than 30 million people, nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population, in need of emergency food assistance, while famine has been confirmed in multiple areas, according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
