Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Saturday condemning recent attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s North and South Kordofan states. The ministry also criticized what it described as “foreign interference” contributing to the conflict and reaffirmed its support for Sudan’s territorial integrity.
The statement followed a report from the Sudan Doctors Network, a humanitarian organization, which said a drone attack on Friday by the RSF killed at least 24 people, including eight children, in a vehicle transporting displaced families in North Kordofan. The incident was part of a series of reported attacks in the region, including one on a World Food Programme convoy that resulted in at least one fatality.
In its statement, the Saudi foreign ministry described the RSF attacks as “criminal” and “completely unjustifiable.” It stated the actions were “flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements.” The ministry called on the RSF to cease such violations and adhere to a 2023 ceasefire agreement brokered in Jeddah, which included provisions for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The Saudi government also addressed the continuation of the conflict, which began in April 2023. The statement cited the “continued influx of illegal weapons, mercenaries and foreign fighters” as a factor fueling the war. While the ministry did not name specific countries, it noted that “some parties” were contributing to the conflict despite claiming to support a political solution.
The Sudanese government has previously accused the United Arab Emirates of providing arms and funding to the RSF. Last year, Sudan filed a case with the International Court of Justice against the UAE, alleging complicity in acts committed by the RSF in West Darfur. The UAE has publicly denied these allegations.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF has intensified in the Kordofan region in recent months. The conflict has had significant humanitarian consequences. According to United Nations figures, the war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has led to acute food shortages for more than 21 million people, nearly half of Sudan’s population.
