The United States, along with key nations such as the United Arab Emirates, urged Wednesday for Sudan’s conflicting parties to agree to ceasefires to facilitate aid delivery, expressing concern over escalating hunger.
In a statement, the coalition expressed alarm at the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, highlighting the rising number of people suffering from severe malnutrition and famine, and the various access barriers delaying or obstructing aid in critical regions.
The urgency is particularly high in the North Darfur and Kordofan areas.
The countries urged both sides to “permit humanitarian pauses to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies to these regions and reduce obstacles to civilian evacuation from dangerous zones.”
The coalition “urgently emphasizes that international humanitarian law must be fully upheld.”
Since April 2023, Sudan has been devastated by conflict and hunger as the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces engage in warfare.
According to the United Nations, nearly 25 million Sudanese are facing severe hunger, with many cut off from critical aid.
The UAE has been criticized for supporting the Rapid Support Forces, including through arms supply.
Recently, Sudan accused the UAE of employing Colombian mercenaries to fight against the army alongside the RSF.
The statement was also endorsed by other key diplomatic players in the Sudan crisis — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the African Union, and the United Nations.
This appeal on Sudan comes as the United States faces widespread criticism for its support of Israel in the Gaza offensive, which is also experiencing a humanitarian crisis.
