By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged the international community to intensify efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which he called "the worst humanitarian crisis in the world."
"Half a dozen years later, we see on too many Sudanese faces hunger, despair," Blinken said at a UN Security Council session on Sudan, referencing the 2021 military takeover and violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023.
Warning of external interference exacerbating the conflict, he said: "Outside actors are arming and supporting both parties, turning an internal power struggle into a conflict with global dimensions."
Blinken announced an additional $200 million in US humanitarian aid for Sudan, bringing Washington's support to more than $2.3 billion.
He said the funding will provide food, shelter and health care to millions of Sudanese.
He also highlighted US-led efforts to reopen transportation routes, including a key border crossing into Darfur, and to resume humanitarian aid operations.
"These efforts have allowed aid to reach more than 3.5 million people across Sudan," he said.
Outlining a four-point plan, Blinken urged greater efficiency in delivering aid and pressed the Council to demand an end to atrocities.
He proposed a compliance mechanism involving the SAF, RSF and the international community to ensure adherence to international law.
"The United States will use every tool, including further determinations and sanctions, to prevent abuses and hold perpetrators accountable," he said, urging nations to take similar actions.
He criticized external meddling and appealed to those fueling the conflict to "use your resources to heed Sudanese suffering, not deepen it. Use your influence to end the war, not perpetuate it. Don't just claim to be concerned about Sudan's future, prove it."
He also announced $30 million to empower Sudanese civil society and support efforts for inclusive, civilian-led democratic governance.
"Even as the bombs continue to fall, the people of Sudan are not waiting to lead across the country,” he said, adding: "We have a responsibility to stop the suffering, to end this war, to support the Sudanese people."
Since April 2023, Sudan has faced violent clashes between the army and RSF over military reform and integration issues.
The conflict has claimed more than 20,000 lives, displaced millions and left more than 25 million in dire need of humanitarian aid, according to the UN.