The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, embarked on a crucial visit to the border crossing between Egypt and Sudan to assess the relief efforts being provided to the thousands of individuals who have fled the devastating conflict in Sudan.
During his visit on Sunday, Grandi expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian government for its compassionate reception of the numerous Sudanese and other individuals escaping the "horrific violence" in Khartoum, according to a report by the Xinhua news agency.
The Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in armed clashes since April 15, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 866 civilian lives and leaving 3,721 others injured, as reported by the Sudanese Doctors Syndicate on Sunday.
In an impassioned plea, the UN refugee agency chief called upon the military factions involved in the conflict to cease hostilities. He implored them to consider the well-being of their own people who are enduring immense suffering.
"My first appeal is to the military factions in Sudan: Please, put an end to this violence," urged Grandi. "If you truly care for your own people, I implore you to stop, for they are the ones bearing the brunt of this tragedy."
Grandi's visit to the border crossing was facilitated by the presence of the governor of Egypt's southern province of Aswan, underscoring the collaborative efforts in addressing the refugee crisis.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi emphasized on Saturday that the nation has already welcomed 150,000 Sudanese citizens fleeing the ongoing conflict, in addition to the five million Sudanese individuals already residing in the country.
Al-Sisi appealed to relief agencies and donor nations to extend the necessary support to Sudan's neighboring countries, enabling them to continue their vital role in accommodating Sudanese evacuees.
The UNHCR chief arrived in Egypt on Saturday for a three-day visit, during which he is scheduled to hold discussions with President al-Sisi and meet with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League based in Cairo.
The visit to the Egypt-Sudan border by UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi serves as a crucial step in assessing and addressing the needs of Sudanese refugees. With ongoing conflicts and escalating violence in Sudan, urgent action is required to provide assistance and protection to those forcibly displaced by the crisis. The UNHCR and its partners, including host countries like Egypt, must collaborate to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population, while appealing for an end to the violence that continues to inflict suffering upon innocent civilians. The international community's support and solidarity are crucial in mitigating the impact of this humanitarian crisis and promoting lasting peace and stability in Sudan.