Muslim Elders Call for Ceasefire in Sudan and Prevent Famine Disaster

Moatinoon Follow up
The Muslim Elders Council, chaired by Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has called for an immediate ceasefire, the prioritization of wisdom, an end to internal conflict, the resolution of divisions, and the promotion of reconciliation and solidarity among the people of Sudan. The council affirmed its steadfast and unwavering support for all efforts aimed at conducting serious and fruitful dialogue that contributes to resolving the Sudanese crisis through peaceful means that prioritize national interests, leading to a final agreement that ensures the unity of Sudanese territory and fulfills the aspirations of its people for security, peace, and stability.

The council warned of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, affecting over 25 million people suffering from the specter of famine and severe food insecurity. It expressed deep concern over the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) announcement of famine spreading in the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State, which houses more than half a million displaced persons, and the potential for famine in the Abu Shouk and Salam camps and the nine other Sudanese states where residents live under catastrophic hunger levels.

In a statement, the council called on the international community to take its moral responsibilities seriously and to take urgent and immediate actions to enhance relief efforts and ensure the provision of necessary support in terms of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people, preventing a larger humanitarian disaster. The council welcomed the joint statement issued by the Security Council member states, which expressed deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, along with numerous reports of severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.