Sudan has strongly denounced a statement from the U.S. State Department accusing the Sudanese authorities, particularly the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Government of Sudan, of obstructing people’s access to humanitarian aid. In an official response, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry labeled the allegations as “false accusations” and defended the actions of its armed forces.
The U.S. State Department had issued a condemnation on Thursday, expressing deep concern over the reported obstruction of humanitarian aid access in Sudan.
The statement specifically called on the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately permit unhindered humanitarian assistance deliveries to all parts of Sudan.
In the response issued by Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, the government rejected the U.S. allegations and defended the actions of the SAF and the Government of Sudan related to humanitarian aid and civilian activities.
The statement emphasized that the accusations were baseless and not reflective of the reality on the ground.
The U.S. had also condemned the Sudanese government’s decision to block humanitarian aid from Chad and raised alarm over reports of looting by the RSF expressing deep concern about the growing humanitarian crisis in Sudan and urged for immediate action.
“We are deeply troubled by the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recent decision to restrict cross-border aid from Chad and reports that they are obstructing assistance from reaching communities controlled by the RSF,” the U.S. statement read. “Furthermore, the looting of homes, markets, and aid warehouses by the RSF is unacceptable.”
The U.S. further raised concerns about the harassment of humanitarian workers and the overall hindrance of life-saving aid deliveries.
The U.S. government urged both the SAF and RSF to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and adhere to their commitments in the Jeddah Declaration, which includes the protection of civilians and facilitating aid deliveries.
By xamse
February 25, 2024
