British MPs: Food Aid Weaponized in Sudan’s Civil Conflict
British Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerns about the weaponization of food aid in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict. Vicky Ford, chair of the parliament’s all-party group on Sudan, highlighted evidence indicating that both sides of the conflict, namely the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, are impeding humanitarian aid efforts.
These warnings follow recent research findings suggesting that over 100 villages in western Sudan have been subjected to arson. The conflict, which has persisted for nearly a year, has been characterized by intense brutality.
Research conducted by the Centre for Information Resilience, a government-funded institution, reveals that since last April, 108 villages and settlements in western Sudan have either been completely or partially destroyed by fire.
The UK Foreign Office has expressed concerns that the situation resembles ethnic cleansing, with Arab militias targeting black Africans. Alarmingly, the prospect of famine looms large, with over 20 million people in need of food assistance.
Furthermore, Ms. Ford highlighted the pervasive issue of sexual violence against women, noting instances where girls are resorting to self-mutilation to avoid rape.
The all-party group has issued a statement urging the international community to step up humanitarian assistance efforts. Additionally, they are calling on countries such as the United Arab Emirates to cease supplying arms to the conflicting parties.
For more insights into the conflict, refer to:
[Famine looms in Sudan as civil war survivors tell of killings and rapes](link to article)