Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Just over a year since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, the principal military belligerents, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are no closer to working for a negotiated solution. The conflict continues to have devastating humanitarian, human rights, and regional security consequences.

Both parties are significantly impeding humanitarian access, in addition to destroying health and food infrastructure. They are also responsible for large-scale attacks on civilians, including sexual violence, and ethnically targeted killings.

The official death toll stands at over 13,000, but is likely to be much higher. Almost 8 million have been displaced from their homes, and 20 million people are facing acute food insecurity.

The war in Sudan is having an impact throughout the region. Not only is the Rapid Support Forces recruiting fighters from across Africa to fight in Sudan, but the support provided by states in the region and beyond, is adding to inter-regional tensions. On the ground, about 1.8 million people have crossed into neighbouring countries. This is placing strain on already fragile humanitarian situations.

In response to the crisis, Ireland has increased its humanitarian support to the people of Sudan, and stepped up diplomatic engagement.

Last month, at an international conference for Sudan in Paris, I announced that Ireland will contribute at least €12.3 million in direct humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries this year. This is addition to Ireland’s funding to multilateral agencies which are also increasing their engagement in Sudan.

A ceasefire is desperately needed to end this man-made catastrophe. Ireland has advocated for the adoption of EU sanctions. We have also consistently emphasised within the EU and the UN that civilians and civil society will need to be heart of Sudan’s political future.