The African Union has strongly condemned the ongoing conflict in Sudan and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
This appeal was issued by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council in a statement released on Saturday, following its latest meeting, which focused on the current situation in conflict-affected Sudan.
The council’s statement vehemently denounced the destructive and unjustified conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
The council noted that this conflict has had severe consequences on the security and humanitarian situation in Sudan and its neighboring countries.
The African Union specifically condemned the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, the random destruction of infrastructure, including diplomatic buildings, widespread looting of civilian homes and property, and sexual assaults on women and girls.
These actions are in violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Acknowledging that there cannot be a viable and sustainable military solution to the conflict, the council emphasized that only a sincere, truly representative, and inclusive Sudanese dialogue can find a peaceful and lasting solution to the current situation.
The council reiterated its demand for the warring parties to immediately and unconditionally cease fire and end the unnecessary conflict that has resulted in countless loss of lives, injuries, and suffering to innocent civilians, especially women and children, and further deteriorated the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.
The council expressed particular concern about the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum, as well as the Abyei administrative area, with the spread of conflict throughout the country.
It called on all parties to ensure the rapid, safe, and unobstructed access of humanitarian aid throughout Sudan, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law and in line with the United Nations’ guiding principles for humanitarian assistance.
