Foreign ministers of nations bordering Sudan have implored the warring factions to simplify the delivery of aid to civilians, adhering to international humanitarian law. This appeal was made during the concluding statement of the first meeting of foreign ministers of countries neighboring Sudan.
The meeting, held in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, on Monday, witnessed the participation of Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, convened by Mohamed Saleh Annadif, Chad’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The congregation, headed by the Chadian State Minister, was a sequel to decisions made at the summit of heads of states neighboring Sudan, hosted in Cairo on July 13.
The attendees included Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry, Central Africa’s Foreign Minister Sylvie Baïpo-Temon, South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Deng Alor Kuol, and Libya’s Special Envoy Fathi Abdelatif Al Zaini. Representatives from the African Union and the Arab League were also present.
During the meeting, the foreign ministers examined the current situation in Sudan and its ramifications on neighboring countries. They emphasized the necessity for synergy and effective coordination between the African Union’s initiatives, the International Development’s governmental body, and neighboring nations of Sudan.
Ministers welcomed the United Nations’ humanitarian response plan, urging donor countries and organizations to accelerate their support, especially by addressing shortages. The emphasis was laid on catering to the crucial needs of inhabitants in host regions concerning security and development.
Furthermore, ministers stressed the essentiality of establishing humanitarian warehouses in neighboring countries to guarantee swift transfer of relief supplies and medical care to victims. They reiterated the importance of keeping humanitarian corridors open, in line with global principles of assisting those at risk.
The ministers underscored the significance of continuous direct communications with the conflict parties to pinpoint a permanent ceasefire’s specifics, halt the killing of innocent civilians, and permit basic services like health institutions, water, food, electricity, and banks.
The final statement mentioned that the committee of foreign ministers drafted an action plan. This draft will be forwarded to the heads of states and governments to finalize mechanisms for the African Union and the International Development’s governmental body. The plan includes achieving a definitive ceasefire, organizing an all-encompassing dialogue among Sudanese parties, and addressing humanitarian issues.
In conclusion, the ministers agreed to convene in New York, on the sidelines of the upcoming regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in the coming September.
Collectively, the foreign ministers expressed profound gratitude to the transitional phase’s president and the Chadian authorities for their leadership, which paved the way for the inaugural meeting’s success.
