Sudan's army chief accuses RSF of genocide amid conflict causing thousands of deaths and mass displacement. Meanwhile, Algeria imposes visa requirements on Moroccans, escalating diplomatic tensions.
Sudan's army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing genocide since their conflict began in April 2023, resulting in over 15,000 deaths and displacing 6.1 million people. With the RSF controlling key areas like Khartoum, Al-Burhan stressed his government's commitment to protecting civilians during his address at the UN General Assembly.
In a related regional development, Algeria has imposed visa requirements on Moroccan nationals amid espionage accusations. This move further strains the already tense relationship between the two countries, which cut diplomatic ties in 2021, and follows allegations of Morocco's involvement in organized crime and espionage in Algeria.
Meanwhile, tensions on the international stage include revelations from a senior US defense official that China attempted to hide the sinking of its newest nuclear-powered submarine earlier this year. This incident, captured via satellite imagery, raises significant questions about China's defense capabilities as they push to modernize their navy amid increased military competition in the Pacific.
Shifting focus to the Middle East, the Islamic Ministerial Committee, led by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met with UN Secretary General
António Guterres in New York to commend his efforts during the Gaza crisis. The committee, including prominent members from various Arab and Islamic countries, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid in Gaza.
On the security front, Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Abdullah Hilal Al-Faraya to discuss enhancing cooperation against drug trafficking. The agreement they signed highlights a collective push to combat illicit narcotics and related substances between the two nations.
Lastly, celebrating cultural heritage, the "Echoes of Time" exhibition in Riyadh marks the 20th anniversary of German Archaeological Institute excavations in Saudi Arabia. Featuring artworks by Saudi and German artists, this event, held at the Ahlam Gallery, spotlights the rich archaeological landscapes and environmental themes intrinsic to Saudi history and runs until October 7, 2024.