Sudan Events – Agencies
U.S. President Joe Biden called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to cease fighting, return to the negotiating table, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the military conflict.
In a statement published by the White House on Tuesday, President Biden said, “I call on the warring parties, namely the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to withdraw their forces, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access, and return to the negotiating table to end this war.”
He also condemned the escalation of fighting in North Darfur, noting that El Fasher, which houses nearly two million people and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons, had been under siege for months by the Rapid Support Forces before the siege turned into a full-scale attack in recent days.
The U.S. president demanded that the Rapid Support Forces cease their attack, which he said is affecting civilians. He accused the warring parties of continuing to obstruct humanitarian operations, calling for the immediate and unhindered delivery of aid to all areas of Sudan, noting that the Rapid Support Forces alone have committed crimes against humanity and acts of ethnic cleansing.
He pointed to the sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department on 16 entities and individuals for their role in fueling the conflict or committing serious human rights abuses. He pledged to continue evaluating additional allegations of atrocities and the potential for imposing further sanctions.
Biden affirmed that the United States will stand by the people of Sudan, push for peace, and seek accountability for those who contribute to the cycle of violence. He praised the U.S. aid provided to Sudanese civilians, which amounted to about $1.6 billion over the past two years. He added, “Let us be clear, the United States will not abandon its commitment to the people of Sudan, who deserve freedom, peace, and justice, and we call on all parties to end the violence.”
