The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have jointly declared their opposition to external intervention in Sudan, fearing that it could exacerbate the conflict in the African nation.
This stance was taken during the annual consultative meeting of the African Peace and Security Council and members of the UN Security Council held at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The joint statement issued on Friday strongly condemned “the ongoing and unacceptable violence between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces, characterized by widespread reports of indiscriminate attacks on civilians, looting of humanitarian supplies, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.”
They expressed deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation across the country and commended all neighboring countries hosting refugees fleeing the violent conflict in Sudan.
They called on the international community to provide necessary support to both refugees and their host nations.
In their joint statement, the AU and members of the UN Security Council “strongly reject external intervention that could fuel the conflict.”
Highlighting the impossibility of a military solution to the conflict, they reiterated the priority of dialogue and reconciliation to achieve lasting peace and stability in the country.
They also emphasized the urgent need for both parties to prioritize the interests of the nation and its people above all else, cease hostilities immediately, and achieve a permanent ceasefire.
They called on all parties to ensure the swift, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Sudan in accordance with relevant international law and in line with UN principles guiding humanitarian assistance, including humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
They urged the political transition process, with its pinnacle being elections, to be led democratically by civilians.
Furthermore, they emphasized the necessity of inclusivity and participation of all Sudanese stakeholders representing all segments of society, including Sudan’s civil society, to ensure full ownership of the peace process by the Sudanese people.
