Debates

Thursday, 15 September 2011 - Strasbourg

Sudan: situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile State

  Kristiina Ojuland, author. − Mr President, the fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Blue Nile State has by now led to the displacement of an estimated 200 000 people. The situation is complicated by the fact that the humanitarian agencies have been refused authorisation to work there.

I have to remind you that during the second Sudanese Civil War from 1983 to 2005 it is estimated that up to 2.5 million people – mostly civilians – lost their lives, primarily due to starvation and drought. The repetition of such a large-scale humanitarian crisis must, and should, be prevented. I therefore fully support the call for an immediate ceasefire, resumption of negotiations on reaching a political solution to the conflict, and allowing humanitarian access to affected populations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile State.