Rubio calls for an urgent humanitarian truce in Sudan with the new year
In a notable diplomatic move reflecting growing concern over the deteriorating situation in Africa, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on the warring parties in Sudan to use the New Year as a real opportunity to establish a humanitarian truce in Sudan , stressing the need to stop the bloodshed that has plunged the country into chaos.
Rubio confirmed during a press conference held on Friday that the United States places the Sudanese file at the top of its priorities, noting that "99% of the focus of American diplomacy is currently on reaching this truce as quickly as possible," and urged influential countries regionally and internationally to use their influence to pressure the two sides of the conflict in order to establish peace.
Background of the conflict and developments of the war in Sudan
This statement comes at a critical juncture for Sudan, as war erupted in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. What began as a power struggle in the capital, Khartoum, quickly escalated into a full-blown war that spread to the states of Darfur, Kordofan, and Gezira, leaving behind widespread destruction of infrastructure and a near-total collapse of basic services.
Over the past months, the fighting has killed tens of thousands of civilians, and UN reports indicate that Sudan is currently facing the world’s largest displacement crisis, with millions forced to leave their homes, either internally displaced to safer states or seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.
The catastrophic humanitarian situation and international warnings
Speaking about the heavy human cost, the US Secretary of State expressed deep concern over credible reports of deliberate attacks on humanitarian aid convoys, which are hindering the delivery of food and medicine to those in need. "What's happening there is horrific, it's appalling by any measure," Rubio said, describing the situation and warning that the specter of famine now threatens large segments of the population.
Rubio added that both sides had violated their international and humanitarian obligations, warning that history would not be kind to those involved in these violations, saying: "The day will come when the true story of what happened there will be known, and everyone who participated will look very bad in the eyes of the world and history.".
The international role and prospects for a solution
These statements indicate Washington's desire to play a more active role for the international community, with Rubio suggesting that tangible progress requires serious engagement from "external actors" who possess leverage over both sides of the conflict. Observers believe that stability in Sudan is a cornerstone of security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, making a ceasefire a pressing regional and international imperative.
The minister concluded his remarks with a glimmer of hope tinged with caution, expressing his hope that the new year would witness practical steps towards de-escalation, saying: "We believe that the new year represents a great opportunity for both sides to agree on a truce, and we are doing our utmost in this regard.".
