Red Cross Spokesperson: War in Sudan Caused Catastrophic Humanitarian Conditions

Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
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Red Cross Spokesperson: War in Sudan Caused Catastrophic Humanitarian Conditions

Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
Smoke billows from al-Jaili oil refinery north of Omdurman, the Sudanese capital's twin city, during battles between the Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), on January 15, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

The spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sudan, Adnan Hazam, has described the situation in Sudan as catastrophic, stating that the war has created a “grim humanitarian reality.”

He emphasized that the scale of needs is enormous, but humanitarian aid remains modest due to the complexities of accessing conflict zones, delivering assistance, and ensuring its distribution within the country.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Hazam noted that millions of Sudanese are in urgent need of aid. He revealed that tens of thousands have been killed and injured as a result of the war, which has also displaced over 11 million people both internally and externally. The conflict has caused severe damage to infrastructure, particularly water, healthcare, and electricity services.

Hazam explained that the aid being delivered is aimed at alleviating suffering as much as possible under the current circumstances.

According to Hazam, the ICRC is concentrating its efforts this year on life-saving activities and meeting basic humanitarian needs. These include healthcare, protection, food relief, and financial assistance for the most affected communities near conflict zones. The organization is also working to reunite families separated by the war and locate missing persons.

The spokesperson added that the ICRC is coordinating with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society in most parts of the country and collaborating with official health authorities. He acknowledged the immense challenges facing humanitarian organizations in Sudan, saying: “The scale of needs is staggering. Our efforts aim to mitigate suffering, but ending it completely is beyond reach, as the conflict has created a deeply painful humanitarian reality.”

He stressed that the ICRC is in constant communication with all parties to the conflict to facilitate access to those in need.

“We remind all sides of their moral and legal obligations under international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, guarantees safe passage for displaced persons, and protects healthcare and public service facilities—80% of which are no longer functional,” he remarked.

Hazam highlighted the deteriorating health and environmental conditions in Sudan, which have severely impacted the population and made access to healthcare increasingly difficult.

“With the spread of epidemics and seasonal diseases, the burden on the few operational healthcare institutions has doubled,” he said.

He also called for an end to attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel, emphasizing the need for greater adherence to international humanitarian law.

Regarding the evacuation of civilians trapped in conflict zones, Hazam explained that the ICRC is engaged in ongoing dialogue with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He noted that the organization is urging both parties to open safe corridors in conflict areas, stressing that this is a “legal and moral obligation that must be fulfilled.”

Hazam noted that the ICRC has previously acted as a neutral mediator to facilitate the evacuation of detainees from both sides, but such actions require direct requests and security guarantees. He emphasized: “Civilians who choose to remain must be protected, as they are not participants in the hostilities.”

The ICRC official expressed hope for lasting peace and stability in Sudan, noting that it would significantly ease humanitarian suffering.

“The Sudanese people deserve to live in safety,” he said. He reiterated that the ICRC operates with neutrality and independence, striving to reach those most in need.

According to the latest UN reports, over 25.6 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 755,000 at risk of severe famine.



Brazil’s Foreign Minister: Relations with Saudi Arabia Have Grown Stronger

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Brazil’s Foreign Minister: Relations with Saudi Arabia Have Grown Stronger

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi-Brazilian relations have strengthened, particularly in political and economic cooperation, since Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office as Brazil’s president in January 2023, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira affirmed.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Brazil’s top diplomat noted that the economies of Saudi Arabia and his country complement each other well, and that they are just starting to unlock their full potential.

According to Vieira, there are many opportunities for growth in areas like trade, investment, logistics, food security, and renewable energy.

Vieira also mentioned that during his visit to Saudi Arabia, alongside the Gulf-Brazil ministerial meeting, he held talks with Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih.

Investment is an area where the Kingdom and Brazil are just starting to explore significant untapped potential.

Vieira also emphasized the importance of Al-Falih’s visit to Brazil last year, where he led a large Saudi trade delegation.

The Brazilian minister described his recent meeting with Al-Falih in Riyadh as “very productive,” adding that both sides are optimistic about the future of ties between Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

Discussing the Gulf-Brazil ministerial meetings in Riyadh, Vieira reaffirmed that his country was honored to join a high-level dialogue with Gulf countries this year, marking a historic step in its relationship with the GCC.

During the meetings, Vieira held talks with the foreign ministers of Bahrain and Kuwait, and also visited Oman to meet its foreign minister to discuss common interests.

On Brazil-GCC ties, Vieira noted that there is strong political will to build strategic cooperation, as shown by the outcomes of recent meetings.

Vieira emphasized the growing partnership between Brazil and the GCC, saying that Brazil’s special invitation this year reflects the commitment to deepen relations, with the private sector playing an increasing role in finding new opportunities.