African Union calls for immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Sudan

SGGPO 11/26/2023 07:11

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the ongoing conflict in Sudan, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the country.

The call was made by the AU Peace and Security Council in a statement on November 25 after a meeting that discussed the conflict in Sudan. The statement affirmed that the AU strongly condemns the ongoing unjustified and destructive conflict between RSF paramilitary forces and the Sudanese army, which has serious consequences for the security and humanitarian situation in the country and neighboring countries.

Smoke rises during clashes at Khartoum International Airport, Sudan. Photo: AFP/VNA

The AU noted that there can be no viable and sustainable military solution to the conflict, stressing that only formal, truly representative and inclusive Sudanese dialogue can lead to an amicable and sustainable solution to the current situation.

The statement also reiterated the demand for the conflicting parties to "immediately and unconditionally cease fire and end the unnecessary conflict that has led to untold loss of life, injury and suffering of innocent civilians, especially women and children, and has further deteriorated the already dire humanitarian situation in the country".

The AU statement expressed particular concern about the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Kordofan and Khartoum, as well as in the Abyei administrative region as conflict spreads across the country. The AU Peace and Security Council also called on all parties to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law and in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Humanitarian Assistance.