Turkish foreign ministry calls for cease-fire, peace in Sudan

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan to agree to a ceasefire and work towards peace.

Expressing deep concern over the escalating violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, Keceli emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to supporting efforts for stability in Sudan.

Türkiye urges immediate cease-fire in Sudan

Oncu Keceli, Spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement regarding the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian situation in Sudan on social media platform X and said, “We are deeply saddened by the ongoing escalation of conflict and the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan.”

“We reiterate our call on the parties for a ceasefire and peace to prevent further bloodshed. It is of utmost importance to refrain from any steps that would harm the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Sudan,” Keceli added.

“Türkiye remains ready to provide all kinds of contributions to end the conflict in friendly and brotherly Sudan as soon as possible and to establish peace, security and stability in the country,” he concluded.

Humanitarian aid efforts in Sudan

In line with its commitment to supporting Sudanese civilians affected by the conflict, the Turkish Diyanet Foundation (TDV) has launched a humanitarian aid initiative during Ramadan. The organization aims to provide relief to 48,000 Sudanese people, including:

• 6,350 food packages in Atbara, benefiting 31,000 individuals.
• 15,000 iftar meal packages for those in need.
• 2,000 sets of Eid clothing for children affected by the war.

Nile River State Minister of Social Affairs Tahani Mirgani expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s aid efforts, stating, “Your assistance to war-affected and displaced people in Nile River State is invaluable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Turkish Diyanet Foundation.”

UN reports worsening crisis in Sudan and South Sudan

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has released a report on South Sudan, accusing political and military leaders of fueling violence and instability.

The 24-page report, presented in Geneva, highlights repeated human rights violations and ongoing armed conflict despite past peace commitments.

Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that over 600,000 people in Sudan are at risk of famine, with humanitarian conditions worsening rapidly. Turk stated during the 58th UNHRC session in Geneva:

• “Sudan is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, with more than 600,000 people facing starvation.”
• “At least 30.4 million people urgently require humanitarian assistance, including access to food, healthcare, and other essential services.”
• “More than 20,000 people have died since April 2023, and over 9 million people have been displaced.”

Turk emphasized the need for accountability, noting that Sudanese military factions continue to engage in systematic human rights abuses, including arbitrary executions, forced recruitment of children, and sexual violence.

He urged coordinated international diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

The conflict in Sudan

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over disputes regarding military reform and integration. Attempts at diplomatic resolutions have thus far failed.

According to the United Nations, the Sudanese war has resulted in:

• Over 20,000 deaths
• 3.5 million refugees fleeing Sudan
• 9 million internally displaced persons
• 25 million people in need of urgent humanitarian aid

Despite international calls for peace, hostilities persist, exacerbating one of the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises.