French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has urged international powers to stop fuelling Sudan’s devastating civil war and pledged additional aid to Chad, which is grappling with a massive influx of refugees. Speaking during a visit to refugee camps in Chad on Thursday, Barrot condemned foreign interference and highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.
Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal war since April 2023, pitting the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict has led to widespread allegations of war crimes, including the targeting of civilians and looting of humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands have been killed, over 11 million displaced, and 2.1 million have fled the country. The United Nations reports that more than half of Sudan’s population—25 million people—are now facing acute hunger.
Barrot called on foreign powers allied with the warring factions to cease their involvement, accusing them of exacerbating the violence. He criticised Russia for vetoing a recent UN resolution advocating for a ceasefire and civilian protection, accusing Moscow of pursuing a relationship with Africa based on greed, cynicism, and hypocrisy.
Tensions between Sudan and Chad have also deepened, with mutual accusations of interference. Sudan’s government has alleged that Chad facilitated arms deliveries from the UAE to the RSF, an accusation both Chad and the UAE deny. Meanwhile, Chad has accused Sudan of supporting rebel groups within its borders.
Barrot stressed the importance of maintaining the Adre border crossing into Chad, the only route for delivering aid to famine-stricken Darfur in western Sudan. He urged the RSF to stop looting and diverting humanitarian convoys to ensure assistance reaches those in need. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reiterated Chad’s stance of strict neutrality in the conflict, emphasising the country’s commitment to peace in Sudan.
To support Chad’s efforts in managing the crisis, Barrot announced an additional €7 million in aid, aimed at combating cholera and assisting women and children. This pledge adds to France’s €100 million commitment made in April. Despite promises of over $2 billion in international aid for Sudan, many nations have expressed concern over challenges in delivering assistance to affected populations.
Chad, with a population of 20 million, is hosting around 1.5 million Sudanese refugees, further straining its limited resources.
