US Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Ceasefire in Sudan Amid Growing Crisis

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday stressed the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan during a call with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. The discussions come amid mounting international concern over the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudanese conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has spiraled into what the United Nations has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Millions of Sudanese civilians are facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid, while the ongoing violence continues to displace communities and destroy critical infrastructure.

Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of halting the flow of weapons to the RSF, a point he had highlighted earlier this week as part of broader U.S. efforts to de-escalate the conflict. “Achieving a ceasefire is essential to provide relief to those suffering on the ground and to allow humanitarian aid to reach the people who need it most,” Rubio said.

The call with the UAE Foreign Minister also reflected Washington’s strategy of leveraging regional partnerships to mediate peace in Sudan. The UAE, a key diplomatic and economic actor in the region, is expected to play a role in coordinating international pressure on both the RSF and Sudanese army to agree to a temporary cessation of hostilities.

Humanitarian agencies warn that without immediate action, the crisis could worsen as winter approaches, complicating aid distribution and leaving vulnerable populations exposed to disease and starvation. Aid budgets worldwide are under strain, making efficient and targeted relief more critical than ever.

“The international community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and stabilize Sudan,” Rubio added, highlighting the urgent need for multilateral cooperation.

Despite repeated calls for dialogue, fighting continues across multiple fronts in Sudan, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. Experts warn that prolonged conflict could have regional repercussions, destabilizing neighboring countries and fueling refugee flows.

As the world watches, the focus now turns to diplomatic channels and coordinated international efforts to secure a humanitarian ceasefire that could save thousands of lives.

Rubio’s statement underscores the U.S. commitment to mitigating the Sudan crisis, reflecting both humanitarian concerns and broader geopolitical interests in stabilizing Northeast Africa. For aid organizations and affected communities, immediate action could mean the difference between life and death.