Diplomats Demand Immediate Ceasefire Amid Sudan Crisis

The foreign ministers of Germany, Jordan, and the United Kingdom have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan as the humanitarian crisis in the region escalates. This urgent plea follows the seizure of el-Fasher, the last major city in the Darfur region, by the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The situation has drawn stark comparisons to apocalyptic scenarios, with reports indicating that over 450 people have been killed in a hospital and that ethnic killings and sexual assaults are rampant.

Reports from the United Nations detail the chaos unfolding in el-Fasher, where the RSF has allegedly committed atrocities, including mass executions and the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war. While the RSF has denied these claims, satellite images and videos shared on social media suggest a grim and violent reality for the civilians trapped in the city.

At the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the conditions in el-Fasher as horrifying. She stated, “Just as a combination of leadership and international cooperation has made progress in Gaza, it is currently badly failing to deal with the humanitarian crisis and the devastating conflict in Sudan.” Cooper emphasized that no amount of aid can resolve a crisis of this magnitude until hostilities cease.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed Cooper’s sentiments, condemning the RSF’s actions in el-Fasher as indicative of an “apocalyptic situation” in Sudan. He underscored the need for immediate international attention and intervention to halt the violence.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also highlighted the lack of sufficient focus on Sudan, stating, “A humanitarian crisis of inhumane proportions has taken place there.” He urged the international community to take decisive action to prevent further suffering.

As the situation deteriorates, the humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people have reached unprecedented levels. The ongoing conflict has displaced countless individuals and left many without access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.

In a separate development at the summit, the Bahraini government rescinded the accreditation of the Associated Press to cover the event following a review of the permission granted. The government did not provide specific reasons for the visa revocation. This decision coincided with the October 28 announcement of a hunger strike by activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who had been detained for an extended period. His daughter reported that he ended the strike after receiving letters from the European Union and Denmark regarding his situation.

The international community continues to watch closely as calls for a ceasefire in Sudan grow louder, highlighting the urgent need for action to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.