Erigazette May 18, 2023
Eritrean organizations advocating for democracy and the rule of law in their home nation have reached out to the United Nations (UN), expressing grave concern about the unfolding conflict in Sudan and its broader implications for the Horn of Africa.
In a letter dated May 3, 2023, the groups appealed to UN Secretary General, António Guterres, highlighting the dire humanitarian impact of recent fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The clashes have led to enormous suffering among the Sudanese population, affecting hundreds of thousands of refugees and threatening to destabilize the entire region further.
In a plea for immediate and concerted international intervention, the signatories warned that Sudan is on the precipice of collapse and urgently requires the UN’s full attention. The following were presented as specific calls to action:
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Facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties to reach a peaceful resolution. The Eritrean organizations emphasized the necessity of negotiations to end the ongoing hostilities.
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Protect civilians from harm. The groups drew attention to the catastrophic impact of the conflict on Sudan’s civilian population, underlining the UN’s role in ensuring their safety.
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Ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. In the context of a growing crisis, the organizations highlighted the imperative of expedient and efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance.
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Guarantee safe exit and assistance for refugees and other vulnerable populations from the conflict zone. In light of the escalating violence, the Eritrean groups stressed the importance of robust measures to protect these populations and provide the necessary aid.
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Prevent neighboring countries and other third parties from interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs. The signatories voiced their concern about potential exacerbation of the crisis by external actors, urging the UN to deter any such interference.
Notably, the organizations also expressed deep concern regarding reports of potential forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees, an action that they regard as a severe violation of human rights that could put countless lives at risk. They implored the UN to take all necessary steps to ensure these refugees’ protection and close monitoring.
The signatories included the Eritrean Research Institute for Policy and Strategy (ERIPS), Facilitating Smooth Transition in Eritrea (FAST), Focus Eritrea, Global Yiakl Eritrean Movement, and Sinit Eritrawyean.
These organizations’ call to action underscores the dire need for an international response to the Sudan crisis, which is not only a national catastrophe but also a potentially destabilizing factor for the whole Horn of Africa region.
