Rubio Advocates for Critical Humanitarian Pause in Sudan

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for an urgent humanitarian truce in Sudan. He made the plea ahead of the New Year holiday period. Rubio stated that the coming days present a key opportunity for peace.

The top American diplomat addressed reporters at a news conference. His focus was overwhelmingly on securing the cessation of hostilities. According to Reuters, Rubio emphasized that outside countries must use their influence.

He described the situation in Sudan as horrifying and atrocious. Rubio warned that history will judge all parties harshly. The conflict has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.

Warring Parties Accused of Violating Commitments

The war erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people. Millions more have been forced from their homes.

Rubio expressed alarm over new reports of humanitarian convoys being attacked. He accused both sides of violating previous commitments. The goal remains a sustained ceasefire to allow aid to reach civilians.

Famine conditions are spreading across several regions. Critical infrastructure has been destroyed. The United Nations continues to warn of catastrophic suffering.

International Scrutiny on External Support

Outside nations have faced intense scrutiny for their roles in the conflict. Amnesty International released a damning report recently. It alleges the United Arab Emirates facilitated the RSF as it committed war crimes.

The reported abuses include mass executions and sexual violence in El-Fasher. The RSF seized that key city in late October. The UAE has repeatedly and firmly denied these allegations.

Rubio declined to single out specific countries by name. He noted, however, that the warring factions rely on foreign weapons. Someone is shipping those arms and allowing them to enter Sudan, he said.

The U.S. Secretary of State confirmed conversations with all sides. He specifically mentioned repeated talks with officials from the UAE. The Emirates is a close American partner in other strategic areas.

Success for the proposed humanitarian truce in Sudan hinges on global pressure. The international community now faces a direct test of its willingness to act.