International conference for Sudan calls for cease-fire, end to foreign intervention

ATHENS 

A conference was held Monday in Paris that called for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan and an end to foreign intervention in the country’s civil war.

Participants of the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and its Neighbors, which included representatives from Western and Arab states, said they are “deeply concerned by the tragic effects of the escalation of the conflict imposed on the Sudanese people and neighboring countries by the parties to the conflict” in a joint declaration after the event ended.

Expressing concern over the violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Sudan, the declaration called on the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities and “facilitate unimpeded access to civilian populations in need of humanitarian aid.”

Also calling on all foreign actors to cease providing armed support or materiel to the warring parties, it added: “We call on all regional and international actors to fully support a consolidated Sudan peace initiative, building from the Jeddah platform, the African Union and IGAD-led initiative and the mechanism of the neighboring countries, and we agree to continue and enhance ongoing coordination.”

Delivering the closing speech of the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a €2 billion ($2.13 billion) aid pledge from the international community for Sudan.

“This support will make it possible to respond to the most urgent needs in the sectors of food and nutritional security, health, water, sanitation, education and protection of the more vulnerable,” he said.

The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023 over disagreements between Sudan Armed Forces chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on integrating the RSF into the army.

The conflict has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis, and clashes have killed nearly 16,000 people and displaced millions.

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