RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned a recent attack on a United Nations compound in Kadugli, Sudan, resulting in the deaths of six peacekeepers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Saturday expressing the Kingdom’s denunciation of the incident and emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation in the ongoing Sudan conflict. This attack highlights the deteriorating security situation and the challenges facing international efforts to protect civilians.
The attack occurred on Saturday in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, targeting a camp operated by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). According to UNISFA, all six fatalities were Bangladeshi nationals, and another six peacekeepers sustained injuries. The incident raises serious concerns about the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian workers operating in the region.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Escalation of Violence in Sudan Conflict
The Saudi condemnation comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis and continued fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, which erupted in mid-April 2023, has displaced millions and created widespread shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement specifically called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Additionally, the Kingdom stressed the importance of preserving Sudan’s unity and its existing institutions. Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, most notably through hosting talks in Jeddah earlier this year. These talks aimed to secure a lasting ceasefire and facilitate a political transition.
The Jeddah Declaration and Civilian Protection
The Saudi statement directly referenced the Jeddah Declaration, a commitment to protect civilians in Sudan adopted on May 11, 2023, by representatives of the SAF and RSF. The declaration, while initially offering a glimmer of hope, has largely been disregarded as violence has continued and even intensified in several parts of the country. The UN has repeatedly called on both sides to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.
The attack on the UNISFA compound represents a direct violation of the principles outlined in the Jeddah Declaration. UNISFA’s mandate focuses on monitoring the border area between Sudan and South Sudan, and protecting civilians in the Abyei region. The targeting of peacekeepers raises questions about the intent of the perpetrators and the broader implications for the mission’s ability to operate effectively.
The international community has widely condemned the attack. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his outrage and called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Several countries, including Bangladesh, have also issued strong statements of condemnation.
However, the situation remains incredibly complex. The conflict is rooted in a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the SAF, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of the RSF. Both men previously collaborated in a coup that ousted a civilian government in 2021, but their relationship has since deteriorated.
The fighting has not been limited to Khartoum, the capital city. Intense clashes have also been reported in Darfur, a region already grappling with a long history of conflict and instability. The violence in Darfur has raised fears of a resurgence of ethnic tensions and a potential humanitarian catastrophe. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with aid agencies struggling to reach those in need.
In contrast to the initial optimism surrounding the Jeddah talks, progress towards a sustainable peace agreement has stalled. Repeated ceasefire attempts have failed to hold, and both sides have accused each other of violating the terms. The lack of a unified international approach and the involvement of external actors further complicate the situation. The political instability in Sudan has regional implications, potentially affecting neighboring countries.
The report indicates that the attack on the UNISFA compound may have been carried out using a drone, suggesting a level of sophistication and potentially the involvement of external actors providing support to the warring parties. Investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.
Looking ahead, the immediate priority is to secure a lasting ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians. The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are also playing a role in mediation efforts. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the situation in Sudan in the coming days, and may consider further measures to address the escalating violence. The success of these efforts remains uncertain, and the situation in Sudan is likely to remain volatile for the foreseeable future.
The international community will be closely watching for any renewed commitment to the Jeddah Declaration and concrete steps taken by the SAF and RSF to de-escalate the Sudan conflict. A comprehensive political solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures a democratic transition is ultimately necessary to achieve lasting peace and stability in the country.
