Saudi Saudi Arabia, Qatar condemn violence against civilians in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State

November 2, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Saturday condemned escalating violence against civilians in Sudan’s eastern Al Jazirah state, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have launched attacks since October. 21.

The attacks have involved “brutal violations”, including 47 rapes, one of them fatal, and have killed or injured hundreds of people, displacing residents of at least 60 villages, Qatar’s foreign ministry said.

“These … represent a flagrant violation of international laws and humanitarian norms,” the ministry said, calling for dialogue to end the conflict and pave the way for negotiations leading to a lasting peace.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also denounced the violence, which it said had caused deaths and injuries and violated international law and the principle of civilian protection.

Both countries called for a ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict, which erupted in mid-April between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF.

Saudi Arabia urged the warring parties to adhere to the Jeddah Declaration, a humanitarian agreement reached in May, and to allow aid access. Qatar stressed the need for the international community to prioritize the Sudanese crisis.

The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and aid agencies struggling to deliver assistance.