France has firmly condemned the recent attack on an International Red Cross humanitarian convoy in South Darfur, which resulted in two fatalities and three injuries. The French Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson, Christophe Lemoine, emphasized the necessity for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. This includes ensuring the protection of humanitarian and health workers and facilitating the safe, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
The International Committee of the Red Cross announced that two of their drivers were killed and three staff members were wounded in the attack by armed individuals in South Darfur, a region in western Sudan. The team was returning from an assessment of the humanitarian situation in communities affected by armed violence when they were targeted.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in mid-April 2023 between the military, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, headed by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has already claimed thousands of lives. With a population of 48 million, the country is on the brink of famine, its already fragile infrastructure has been devastated, and over 8.5 million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations.
The roots of this conflict are deep, reflecting ongoing power struggles that intensified after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The initial hope for a smooth transition to democracy was undermined by a military coup in 2021, leading to further instability and fragmentation of the state. This political backdrop set the stage for the current conflict, which has caused immense human suffering and significant displacement within and outside Sudan.
As of early 2024, neither side has made significant advancements, and the conflict continues to inflict severe damage on the country’s infrastructure and societal fabric, particularly in regions like Darfur. The international community, including the US and Saudi Arabia, has attempted to mediate, focusing on achieving a ceasefire, but these efforts have faced significant challenges.
