The UAE has called for a humanitarian pause in the Sudan war during Ramadan to facilitate aid delivery. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and significant displacement. Reem al-Hashimy emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, pledging an additional $200 million in aid to support the affected populations, particularly women and children.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called for a humanitarian pause in the ongoing conflict in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan, with hopes to facilitate aid delivery for those in dire need. This appeal was made amid conversations among leaders in Ethiopia concerning the prolonged war that has led to significant loss of life and displacement.
The UAE faces accusations from the United Nations regarding its support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), currently engaged in conflict with the regular army since April 2023, resulting in tens of thousands dead and over 12 million people uprooted from their homes. In December 2022, the UAE pledged to the United States that it would refrain from arming the RSF, following concerns raised by US lawmakers about a $1.2 billion arms deal that included advanced rockets and missiles.
During the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Reem al-Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, expressed the need for a humanitarian pause, stating, “This war has really gone on for too long, cost too many lives and brought about immense suffering”. She emphasized the goal of unhindered aid delivery as Ramadan approaches, highlighting the plight of women and children in particular.
Moreover, the UAE plans to contribute an additional $200 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan as part of its effort. Other nations, such as Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, have also been implicated in providing support to various factions within the conflict, which continues to affect millions in Sudan.
The African Union characterized the situation in Sudan as the worst humanitarian crisis, with over 431,000 children treated for malnutrition last year. As the UAE advocates for a temporary halt in hostilities during Ramadan, stakeholders are encouraged to address the humanitarian needs of the affected populations urgently.
In summary, the UAE is advocating for a humanitarian pause during Ramadan to facilitate aid delivery amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Accusations of support for the RSF shadow the UAE’s efforts, yet its commitment of further aid underscores its concern for the suffering populace. The situation remains grave, with significant international focus on the conflict’s dire impacts on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
