The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of the criminal attacks launched by the Rapid Support Forces on a hospital, relief facilities, and a convoy transporting displaced civilians in the states of North and South Kordofan in Sudan. These horrific attacks resulted in the deaths of dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, representing a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Background of the conflict and its humanitarian consequences
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 as a result of a power struggle between the Sudanese military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti.” This conflict, which followed years of political turmoil after the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir, quickly escalated into a full-blown war that plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The war has displaced millions from their homes, crippled the health system, and exacerbated the risk of widespread famine, leaving millions of Sudanese entirely dependent on humanitarian aid for survival.
A blatant violation of international law
The Kingdom affirmed in its statement that these brutal acts are utterly unjustifiable and constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian norms and international laws, including international humanitarian law, which emphasizes the protection of civilians and medical and relief facilities during times of conflict. The Kingdom called upon the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease these violations and to uphold their moral and humanitarian obligations to ensure the delivery of aid to those in need, in accordance with the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023, which was sponsored by the Kingdom and the United States of America with the aim of protecting civilians.
The regional and international importance of the Saudi position
The Saudi condemnation is particularly significant given the Kingdom's role as a key mediator in the Sudanese peace talks. This stance reflects a firm rejection of the continued violence and places diplomatic pressure on the warring parties, especially the Rapid Support Forces, to cease targeting civilians. The Saudi position also underscores the concern of regional powers that the ongoing conflict could destabilize the entire Horn of Africa region through refugee flows and the proliferation of weapons. The Kingdom reiterated its unwavering support for the unity, security, and stability of Sudan, the necessity of preserving its legitimate institutions, and its categorical rejection of any external interference that contributes to prolonging the conflict by introducing weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, thus exacerbating the suffering of the brotherly Sudanese people.
