Mon Sep 09 14:17:31 UTC 2024: ## World’s “Indifference” to Sudan War is “Shocking”: Former President Mary Robinson

**Dublin, Ireland** – Former President Mary Robinson has condemned the world’s lack of attention to the ongoing war in Sudan, calling it “appalling” and “shocking”. Speaking at an emergency briefing in Dublin, Robinson, who chairs The Elders, a group of international leaders, said the conflict, now over 500 days old, is “so neglected” and deserves far more attention.

The war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe. Over 25 million people, more than half the population, are experiencing acute food insecurity, and famine has been declared in an area near El Fasher in Darfur. The death toll could reach 150,000.

Robinson highlighted the use of hunger as a weapon of war, stating that some nations are “benefiting from the state of conflict and actually exacerbating it”. She welcomed recent calls for an international peacekeeping force, noting the UN-mandated mission’s findings that both sides in the war have committed abuses potentially amounting to war crimes.

Echoing Robinson’s concerns, humanitarian organizations attending the briefing painted a bleak picture of the situation. Siobhan Walsh, CEO of GOAL, described the scale of the crisis as “invisible to the world”, highlighting the rising number of malnourished children and the escalating problem of child soldiers. She stressed the urgent need for functioning humanitarian corridors and a political solution to end the conflict.

David Regan, CEO of Concern Worldwide, reported a “rapid deterioration” in the condition of children in Darfur and Kordofan, with only 40% of required aid committed. He called for alternative approaches to deliver aid and increased funding.

Robinson emphasized the importance of women’s roles in ending the conflict, praising their efforts in their communities through emergency kitchens and other initiatives. She also criticized the “bad men” who “semi-make peace” in front of cameras only to renege on agreements.

The urgency of the situation in Sudan cannot be overstated. The international community must act decisively to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

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