US Calls on Countries Providing Weapons to Sudan’s Warring Factions to Cease, Citing Risk of Another Genocide

The United States has issued a stark warning to countries supplying weapons to Sudan’s warring parties, urging them to halt arms sales immediately. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed grave concern after an emergency closed meeting of the U.N. Security Council, stating that the situation in the Darfur region is on the brink of a large-scale massacre.

Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the imminent threat facing El Fasher, the only capital in Darfur not held by paramilitary forces, and called for urgent action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. She emphasized the need for all countries to raise awareness about the crisis unfolding in Sudan and to pressure the warring parties to de-escalate the violence.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April 2023, leading to widespread chaos and violence across the country. The situation has escalated in recent months, with reports of villages being razed and plans for an imminent attack on El Fasher.

The U.S. ambassador called on the paramilitary forces and rival government factions to engage in direct negotiations, protect civilians, and enable humanitarian access to those in desperate need of aid. She also urged regional powers to comply with the U.N. arms embargo and stop providing weapons to the warring parties.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Sudan, with fears that history may be repeating itself in the Darfur region. The legacy of genocide and war crimes from two decades ago looms large, underscoring the urgent need for immediate action to prevent further bloodshed and suffering.