UPDATE: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urgently called on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to help end the violent conflict in Sudan, particularly by halting the flow of weapons to the notorious Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This critical appeal was made during a phone call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan just yesterday.
The situation in Sudan is escalating rapidly, with ongoing clashes leading to grave humanitarian crises. Rubio emphasized the dire need for a humanitarian ceasefire, stating, “Something needs to be done to cut off the weapons and the support that the RSF is getting as they continue with their advances.” This statement underscores the urgent action required to address the violence that has surged in recent weeks.
The State Department confirmed that Rubio made it clear during the call that the flow of weapons to the RSF must cease immediately. Accusations from Sudan’s army suggest that the UAE has been supplying arms and mercenaries to the RSF, claims supported by UN experts and certain U.S. lawmakers. As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian impact grows more severe, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
In a significant move, the UN Human Rights Council has unanimously approved a resolution to establish a fact-finding mission to investigate atrocities in Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, recently seized by the RSF. Investigators will identify those responsible for human rights violations, aiming to bring them to justice amidst growing international concern.
Meanwhile, on the ground, Sudan’s army is mobilizing forces. On October 27, 2023, Abdel Fattah al Burhan, head of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, announced a general mobilization, calling for all able-bodied Sudanese to join the fight against the RSF. He vowed that civilian rights would not be forgotten, declaring, “We will exact retribution,” and emphasized that the conflict will persist until the RSF is disarmed.
With violence spreading across regions like Darfur and Kordofan, Türkiye has also joined the call for an immediate ceasefire. The nation’s permanent representative at the UN urged for safe humanitarian corridors and an end to civilian attacks as the situation deteriorates.
The implications of this conflict are profound, not only for Sudan but for regional stability as well. As Rubio stated, the U.S. is leveraging its influence to apply pressure on involved parties to halt the violence. He hinted at possible measures, saying, “We know who the parties are that are involved… pressure is being applied.” The possibility of designating the RSF as a terrorist organization remains on the table should it aid in achieving a truce.
As international attention sharpens on Sudan, the need for swift action cannot be overstated. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, and immediate international intervention is essential to bring about peace and stability. As developments unfold, the focus remains on halting the supply of arms and securing a ceasefire to protect innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation develops.
