UK Condemns Violence in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo
The UK condemns escalating violence in Sudan and the DRC as major humanitarian crises. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s statements reveal severe suffering among civilians due to ongoing conflicts. Calls for action include a permanent ceasefire and better humanitarian support. Lammy emphasizes the need for global awareness and intervention to address these crises.
The United Kingdom has firmly condemned the ongoing violence in both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), labeling these crises as some of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of our generation. Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed Parliament, emphasizing the severe circumstances in Sudan, which has been engulfed in conflict for 21 months due to clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The latest violence saw RSF forces attack El-Fasher’s last functioning hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Lammy also condemned the RSF’s bombardment of the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people, along with reported extrajudicial killings in Wad Madani by SAF-aligned militias, noting these acts demonstrate blatant disregard for humanitarian law and civilian lives.
During his recent visit to Adré along the Chad-Sudan border, Lammy heard harrowing accounts from refugees, predominantly women and children, representing 88% of those displaced. One refugee shared her personal trauma revealing injuries from severe abuses, including burning, beating, and rape, which encapsulates the deep suffering inflicted upon civilians by ongoing hostilities.
Shifting focus to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lammy remarked on the escalating violence in eastern regions, where M23 rebels have advanced toward the city of Goma for the first time in 11 years. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of UN peacekeepers and forced mass evacuations, rendering the area perilous especially for women and children, who face horrifying acts of violence.
Lammy criticized the insufficient global attention toward these African crises compared to conflicts in other regions, asserting that no conflict should be considered more significant than another. He called for immediate international intervention, recommending a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a continued UN presence to address the ongoing turmoil.
Amid acknowledging the complexities of these conflicts, Lammy emphasized the imperative for action, asserting that, “Civilians in Sudan and eastern DRC must feel so powerless. Power seems gripped by those waging war around them.” He affirmed the UK’s commitment to raise global awareness and to contribute to efforts aimed at resolving these conflicts.
The situation in Sudan arises from a prolonged conflict between different military factions, particularly the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by atrocities committed against civilians. Similarly, the DRC faces its own challenges with regional instability, particularly from armed groups such as the M23 rebels, which further endangers local populations and undermines peace efforts.
In conclusion, the UK government’s condemnation of the violence in Sudan and the DRC highlights the urgent need for global attention and intervention to alleviate the humanitarian crises affecting millions. The calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and consistent international engagement are paramount to safeguarding the lives of affected civilians and addressing the root causes of these conflicts.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
