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Khalid Youssif to Asharq Al-Awsat: Collapse of Sudanese State Possible if War Persists

Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)
Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)
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Khalid Youssif to Asharq Al-Awsat: Collapse of Sudanese State Possible if War Persists

Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)
Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)

Khalid Omer Youssif, one of Sudan’s notable opposition figures and former minister, characterized the ongoing conflict in the North African country as a futile “war with no victors.” He highlighted the nation as the ultimate loser in this conflict and cautioned of the potential “dismantlement of the state” if the war persists.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat in an online interview, Youssif emphasized the urgent need for halting the conflict “immediately.”

Youssif, also a spokesman of Sudan’s political process, denounced claims that the country’s Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) and civil signatories of the “Framework Agreement” were contributing to the conflict.

He rejected allegations directed at the FFC and civilian parties, labeling them as “falsehoods” propagated by members of the National Congress Party (NCP), established by Sudan's deposed leader, Omar al-Bashir, to conceal their involvement in initiating and perpetuating the conflict.

Youssif emphasized that the FFC was alert to the former regime’s efforts to create division between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and presented a political and negotiation-based solution to avoid armed conflict.

He added that the alliance had established a political agreement with the leadership of the army, RSF, and civilian forces to reform the security and military sectors. Youssif asserted that the FFC had pursued this objective, even up to the day before the outbreak of the fighting.

Youssif revealed that there is continued communication between the signatories of the Framework Agreement and the leadership of the army and the RSF.

The Sudanese spokesman stated that the “US-Saudi initiative has made significant progress in extending the ongoing humanitarian ceasefire and organizing a direct meeting to achieve a permanent end to hostilities, which will pave the way for a comprehensive political solution.”

He further mentioned that the FFC wholeheartedly supports this initiative as a genuine opportunity to bring an end to the war.

Youssif voiced his optimism for “a close end to the wretched war,” but also cautioned about “the collapse of the country.”

“We aspire and strive for an immediate end to the conflict, hopefully by today or tomorrow,” he said.

“This wretched war will ultimately lead to the country's downfall and ruin,” he warned.

“Our hope lies in the widespread popular rejection of the war and the realization that it is a losing battle for the nation, with no good outcome to be expected from it whatsoever,” explained Youssif.

According to Youssif, stopping the war is the “utmost priority” and should come before considering any other political options.

He also expressed confidence that the conflict has not shattered the Sudanese people’s aspirations for a democratic and civilian government.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.