The UK has condemned the violence in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, referring to it as a significant humanitarian disaster. Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the dire circumstances, including attacks on hospitals and the suffering of civilians. He called for immediate action, including a ceasefire and increased international focus on these issues.
On Tuesday, the United Kingdom issued a strong condemnation regarding the escalating violence in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, labeling the crises as “one of the biggest humanitarian catastrophes of our lifetimes.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed Parliament, shedding light on the severe conditions in Sudan, where hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have persisted for over 21 months.
Recent reports detail RSF forces attacking the last operational hospital in El-Fasher, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 patients and their relatives, as stated by the World Health Organization. Lammy criticized the RSF’s bombardment of the Zamzam camp for internally displaced individuals and the alarming incidents of extrajudicial killings perpetrated by SAF-aligned militias in Wad Madani, emphasizing that these acts manifest a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and the safety of civilians.
During a recent visit to the Chad-Sudan border, Lammy recounted harrowing testimonies from refugees, predominantly women and children. He recounted the ordeal of a survivor showing her injuries from abuse, underscoring the severe human rights violations occurring in the region. The Foreign Secretary additionally highlighted the deteriorating situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the east, where M23 rebels have advanced into Goma, marking the first such occurrence since 2012.
The ongoing violence has claimed the lives of UN peacekeepers and displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals, creating a perilous environment for women and children. Lammy criticized the global community’s insufficient focus on these African crises compared to those in other regions, asserting, “There should be no hierarchy of conflicts.” He called for heightened international involvement and immediate intervention, including a permanent ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access in Sudan.
The UK Foreign Secretary stressed that the plight of civilians must not be ignored, asserting that “Civilians in Sudan and eastern DRC must feel so powerless.” He reinforced the commitment of the UK to increase global attention on these conflicts and pursue solutions to end them. Further, the UK updated its travel advice for citizens, urging caution in Rubavu district, Rwanda, due to its proximity to the unrest in Goma.
The crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo have intensified significantly, leading to severe humanitarian concerns. In Sudan, the conflict between government forces and the RSF has not only destroyed infrastructure but has also resulted in widespread violence against civilians. Meanwhile, in the DRC, the resurgence of the M23 rebels has exacerbated an already precarious situation, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and children. International responses and attention towards these conflicts have been criticized as inadequate, prompting calls for urgent global action.
In conclusion, the UK government has strongly condemned the violence in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and support for affected civilians. The recent attacks on hospitals and the plight of refugees emphasize the crisis’s severity. The UK has committed to advocating for ceasefires and humanitarian access as well as calling for a more focused global response towards these critical situations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
