The United States (U.S.) continues to engage regional partners in its call for an immediate ceasefire amid escalating violence in Sudan, where a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has raged since April 2023.
“Our number one priority is to get the fighting to stop and the humanitarian aid to flow, because what we’re facing there is a catastrophic humanitarian situation, and it’s only going to get worse. And that can’t happen,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The call to action comes as the U.S., the UN and allies have voiced concern over reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies are amassing forces around El Obeid, Sudan, a city that has been under siege for several months.
The group has launched drone attacks on civilian targets and further escalated the conflict in El Obeid and across the Kordofan region. RSF is accused of committing mass atrocities, including systemic sexual violence, summary executions, and abduction under similar circumstances in El Fasher last year.
“There are alarming indications that mass atrocities could be imminent, further worsening Sudan’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis,” said State Department Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott in a statement.
“The RSF and their allied forces must cease any actions that could endanger civilians, impede humanitarian assistance, or contribute to further atrocities and suffering.
“The belligerents must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure that those seeking safety can do so without fear or obstruction,” wrote Spokesperson Pigott.
Human rights violations continue among both warring parties, according to the UN. The conflict has displaced more than 12.4 million people and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
“This war has exacted an intolerable toll on the Sudanese people. Civilians have borne the brunt of the violence and have suffered immensely from the devastation caused by this conflict.
“There is no military solution to this conflict. The belligerents must pursue a negotiated settlement, without preconditions, that ends the violence and addresses the immense suffering of the Sudanese people,” wrote Spokesperson Pigott.
“The United States will continue working with our international partners and Sudanese stakeholders to advance a humanitarian truce, secure unhindered humanitarian access, and support a pathway to a civilian transition and durable peace.”
“We want to see a ceasefire combined with the opening of humanitarian areas so we can get humanitarian relief, and then ultimately we want it to lead to a permanent peace,” said Secretary Rubio.
“We’ve continued to raise this topic with all of the countries, particularly the three other countries or four countries we’re dealing with that have influence over the parties on the ground.”
Only through peace and stability can Sudan return to independent civilian-led governance, preserve its unity, and realize the aspirations of its people.
(VOA)
