Biden condemns Darfur violence, urges end to Sudan war
September 17, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday condemned escalating violence against civilians in Darfur and called for an immediate end to the 17-month conflict in Sudan, highlighting a devastating humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions and fuelled atrocities.
In a strongly worded statement, Biden specifically criticized the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for its assault on the capital of North Darfur, El Fasher, and urged both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to withdraw, allow humanitarian access, and resume negotiations.
“The RSF must stop their assault that is disproportionately harming Sudanese civilians,” Biden said in a statement. “The SAF must stop indiscriminate bombings that are destroying civilian lives and infrastructure.”
The statement underscored that the U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned sixteen entities and individuals for contributing to the conflict, exacerbating instability, or serious human rights abuses. “And we will continue to evaluate further atrocity allegations and potential additional sanctions”.
The U.S. president emphasized the need for full humanitarian access across Sudan, despite some progress, and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to peace and accountability. He highlighted U.S. efforts to rally international partners through the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group, which has secured new humanitarian routes.
He also underscored over $1.6 billion in U.S. humanitarian aid to Sudan in the past two years and reiterated that both the SAF and RSF have committed war crimes, with the RSF also responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. He warned of potential further sanctions.
Biden called on all parties to the conflict to end the violence, declaring that the United States will not abandon its commitment to the Sudanese people’s aspiration for freedom, peace, and justice.
Over 10 million people are now displaced by conflicts in Sudan, Nearly two million have fled the violence to neighbouring countries.
(ST)