On the third anniversary of the war in Sudan, former UN Special Representative for the country, Volker Perthes, called for an increase in humanitarian aid for Sudan. Perthes told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that “more people in and around Sudan are dependent on food and medical assistance than anywhere else”.
He stressed that the international Sudan Conference taking place in Berlin on Wednesday must “truly mobilize humanitarian aid and not remain at the level of mere appeals”. Furthermore, the focus must extend beyond the amount of support to include how the aid is effectively delivered and ensuring that assistance is not obstructed or even appropriated by the warring parties.
Perthes also demanded a halt to gold imports from Sudan. “Sudan is the third largest gold producer in Africa. The warring parties fund their conflict with the revenue generated. Therefore, it would be important to stop importing any gold from Sudan” he stated. Currently, most Sudanese gold is exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with some destined for Egypt, which then passes it on to the global market, eventually reaching Europe.
According to Perthes, the only chance for a ceasefire in Sudan exists if the countries allied with the fighting parties cease supporting them. “If the supply of weapons, ammunition, and fuel ceases, it should increase the willingness to engage in calming the situation” Perthes added, pointing specifically to Egypt and the UAE as having a responsibility to act. He suggested that the United States must urge these nations to exercise restraint in Sudan.