14-02-2025
UAE calls for ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan, pledges $200 million in aid
The UAE has called for a humanitarian pause in the Sudan war during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Ramadan. The appeal came as regional leaders met in Ethiopia on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflict.
In a statement shared with Khaleej Times on Friday, Reem Al-Hashimy, said: "As we approach the holy month of Ramadan, a time of mercy and compassion, the UAE calls on all parties to honour this sacred period with a humanitarian ceasefire."
Speaking at the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan, the UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation stressed the devastating toll of the war, which has lasted nearly two years.
"We have witnessed one of the world's gravest humanitarian calamities in Sudan. This war has gone on too long, cost too many innocent lives, and brought immense suffering," she said.
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Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, also echoed Al-Hashimy's statements, emphasising the urgency of the ceasefire.
"In two weeks, the Muslim world will welcome the Blessed Holy Month of Ramadan. During this sacred time, all parties need to respect the sanctity of these days and accept a humanitarian pause," Sheikh Shakhboot said.
He underscored that such a pause would not only honour the spirit of mercy and compassion that Ramadan represents but also provide a crucial opportunity to alleviate the immense suffering of the Sudanese people, particularly women and children.
"It is essential to highlight that no entity should have the right to arbitrarily challenge lifesaving humanitarian assistance and all parties must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law," he added.
Additional $200 million in humanitarian aid
During the conference, Sheikh Shakhboot also announced a significant financial commitment to support Sudan's struggling population — an additional $200-million (Dh743,000) assistance to Sudan.
"Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Sudan by announcing an additional $200 million in humanitarian funding. This support reflects our unwavering solidarity since in the last decade alone, we have stood by our brothers and sisters in Sudan with $3.5 billion," he stated.
Emphasising the fundamental rights of the Sudanese people, he added: "We all agree that the Sudanese people have rights that must be upheld. They have the right to be safe. They have the right to food. They have the right to the basics of life – medical care, clean water, and shelter."
