Sudan: Violence in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile State
The UK has called for an immediate halt to the continuing violence in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile State in Sudan.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said:
“We remain greatly concerned by the continuing violence in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile State in Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces have continued aerial bombardments in both states. This indiscriminate bombing puts the lives of civilians at great risk, as demonstrated by the bombing of a school on 1 February in the Nuba Mountains region. We continue to condemn all such actions and call for their immediate halt.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North also recently held a number of Chinese workers captive as part of their continuing action in the area. This tactic is unacceptable and has to stop. The workers have since been released, but the death of one of the group during captivity was deeply saddening and will have made the ordeal even more distressing for them, their family and friends.
The conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States have now displaced or severely affected over half a million people, bringing about severe humanitarian need that, without a cessation of hostilities, will only worsen. We continue to urge both parties to allow humanitarian agencies access to those that most need it, and to return to negotiations to agree a ceasefire and a process to address to root causes of these conflicts.”