Türkiye calls for immediate ceasefire and aid for civilians amid Sudan crisis

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has expressed serious concern over the ongoing political tensions and worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with a particular focus on civilian attacks in the Al Jazeera province.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Türkiye underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to restore peace and stability in the conflict-ridden nation, Caliber.Az reports.

Sudan’daki Durum Hk. https://t.co/80WI637ssz pic.twitter.com/z4BbXyWHoW

— T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı (@TC_Disisleri) November 3, 2024

The statement condemned the violence inflicted on civilians, stressing that such actions violate humanitarian law. Türkiye called on all parties to take swift steps to ensure the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes and to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to those in need.

Reaffirming its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and unity, the Turkish government pledged ongoing humanitarian support to help ease the suffering of the Sudanese population.

Türkiye’s call for action comes amid escalating violence in Sudan, which has led to widespread displacement and an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

Let's recall that the Sudanese civil conflict began in April 2023, ignited by a power struggle between the head of Sudan's army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy, now the leader of the Rapid Support Forces. The violence has since spiralled, leaving Sudan teetering on the edge of what the United Nations has described as a humanitarian catastrophe.

As of mid-October, data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reports over 24,850 fatalities, with new deaths recorded daily. The United Nations and other international bodies have sounded the alarm, describing Sudan as being on the verge of a “cataclysmic breaking point.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently highlighted the staggering displacement figures: more than 14 million Sudanese have been forced from their homes. According to IOM Director-General Amy Pope, 11 million are internally displaced, marking a 200,000 increase since September alone. An additional 3.1 million have fled the country to escape the violence. Overall, nearly 30 per cent of Sudan's population has been uprooted.

Pope described the situation as “catastrophic,” pointing to the immense suffering and the surging demand for assistance, which now encompasses nearly 25 million people. She warned that without immediate international intervention, Sudan’s crisis could escalate further, bringing an already dire situation to an irreversible breaking point.

By Khagan Isayev