Saudi Arabia condemns Rapid Support Forces attacks in Kordofan and calls for calm
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed its strong condemnation of the attacks launched by the Rapid Support Forces on villages and towns in the Kordofan region of Sudan, which resulted in the terrorizing of innocent civilians and constituted a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian laws and norms. In its statement, the Kingdom affirmed its categorical rejection of any targeting of unarmed civilians or civilian infrastructure, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the brotherly Sudanese people from the ravages of the ongoing war.
Context of the conflict and developments in the Sudanese crisis
This Saudi condemnation comes at a time when Sudan is witnessing a dangerous military escalation, with fighting spreading to vast areas beyond the capital, Khartoum, reaching the states of Darfur, Kordofan, and Gezira. Since the outbreak of armed conflict in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan has been experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in its modern history. The fighting has caused the displacement of millions both internally and externally, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and the disruption of essential and health services.
The Saudi role and the efforts of the Jeddah platform
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently played a pivotal role in efforts to contain the Sudanese crisis since its inception. In partnership with the United States, the Kingdom hosted the Jeddah Platform talks, which aimed to achieve a permanent ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Through this statement, Riyadh reiterates its firm position calling for a return to the political process, prioritizing dialogue, and adhering to the outcomes of previous talks, which stipulated the protection of civilians and the prohibition of using them as human shields or targeting their homes.
Humanitarian and regional repercussions
Observers warn that continued attacks in vital areas like Kordofan threaten to exacerbate food insecurity, given the agricultural and pastoral importance of these regions. The ongoing violence also casts a dark shadow over the stability of the entire region, necessitating urgent and effective international action to pressure the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities. Saudi Arabia affirms its unwavering support for Sudan and its people until they overcome this ordeal and restore security and stability, calling on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in the face of this escalating humanitarian crisis.
