Saudi Arabia condemns the attack on Khartoum airport and calls for an end to the conflict
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of the attack on a site at Khartoum International Airport, a new escalation that threatens to undermine efforts to achieve peace in Sudan. In its statement, the Kingdom reiterated its firm position calling for the preservation of Sudan's unity, the integrity of its legitimate institutions, the protection of the resources of its brotherly people, and the guarantee of its security and stability.
Background of the conflict and the importance of Khartoum Airport
This attack comes in the context of the devastating conflict that has raged in Sudan since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. This conflict has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions, as well as the destruction of vital infrastructure in the capital, Khartoum, and other areas. Khartoum International Airport is a critical strategic facility and has been the scene of intense fighting since the early days of the conflict, leading to its complete closure and the disruption of civilian and humanitarian air traffic.
Commitment to the Jeddah Declaration and the protection of civilians
The Kingdom stressed the importance of keeping civilian objects and vital infrastructure out of the conflict, calling on all parties to de-escalate and immediately cease these violations. It also emphasized the need to respect the commitments made in the Jeddah Declaration, signed on May 11, 2023, which was sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, with the aim of protecting civilians and adhering to the principles of international humanitarian law. The Declaration aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, which is directly incompatible with targeting civilian infrastructure such as airports.
Regional influence and a call for respect for sovereignty
In its pivotal regional role, the Kingdom called upon Sudan’s neighboring countries to fully respect its sovereignty and independence, and to prevent their territories from being used as launching pads for any attacks that destabilize the country and exacerbate the suffering of its people. This stance reflects regional and international concern about the spillover of the conflict into neighboring countries, which could threaten the security and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region. The Kingdom’s firm position underscores that the solution in Sudan must be purely Sudanese, free from external interference that could further complicate the crisis.
