The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the recent attacks on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in El Fasher, Zamzam, and Abu Shouk in the western Darfur region of Sudan. These attacks have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including women and children.
In an official statement, the ministry expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. It extended wishes for a swift recovery to those injured. The Kingdom described the attacks as a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. It reiterated its firm rejection of such violations, particularly those targeting vulnerable civilian populations.
Saudi Arabia also emphasized the urgent need to protect humanitarian and relief workers. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a halt to the targeting of civilians. The statement urged all parties to fully implement the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, signed on May 11, 2023. This declaration serves as a framework for safeguarding non-combatants and facilitating humanitarian access.
The condemnation comes in the wake of reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The reports revealed that over 100 people, including at least 20 children, are feared dead following coordinated ground and aerial assaults carried out on Friday by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attacks targeted the besieged city of El Fasher as well as the Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps. These camps are home to thousands of Sudanese civilians who have fled violence since the outbreak of the conflict.
The RSF, engaged in a violent conflict with Sudan’s regular army since April 2023, has been accused of numerous violations against civilians and critical infrastructure throughout the region. The latest assaults mark a significant escalation in violence in Darfur, further deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Sudan. It continues to call on the international community to intensify efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
