Sudan: Commitment with AU to End Civil Conflict Voiced

Sudanese Displaced, Oct 2024 Photo: Sky News

October 16, 2024 Hour: 4:46 pm

In a recent communique, the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) demanded that the RSF “urgently lift the siege on the city of EL Fasher and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those suffering from acute food insecurity in Sudan.”

On Wednesday, according to a statement by Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, Sudan expressed its commitment to constructive engagement with the African Union (AU) to end the armed conflict in the country.

Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 15, 2023, which has resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths, thousands of injuries, and the displacement of millions, according to UN estimates.

It also called for the reopening of the AU Liaison Office to Sudan in Port Sudan and underlined the need for more engagement and communications by the AU with the Sudanese authorities and stakeholders.

The African Union (AU) will reopen its liaison office in Port Sudan, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) said on Monday, as part of efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan.https://t.co/9X8ZOS5eM4 pic.twitter.com/eCyqmWO4S9
— Sudan Tribune (@SudanTribune_EN) October 15, 2024

In its statement, the Sudanese ministry welcomed the “positive orientations and constructive proposals” included in the AUPSC communique.

“The (Sudanese) government agrees on the priorities set by the statement, namely concerning the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, evacuation of citizens’ homes, facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid, and its demand for the RSF militia to immediately lift the siege on El Fasher as well as its condemnation of the atrocities committed by the militia against civilians,” read the statement.

The AU suspended Sudan’s membership on Oct. 27, 2021, days after Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council and general commander of the SAF, declared a state of emergency and dissolved the ruling council.