KHARTOUM: Diplomatic missions in Sudan on Wednesday called on rival forces to cease fire and observe obligations under international law to protect civilians, diplomats, and humanitarian actors following a days-long bloody power struggle across the country.
The missions included the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union.
In a joint statement, they urged the army and the most powerful paramilitary group to avoid further escalation and initiate talks to resolve outstanding issues.
“Sudan’s military leaders must engage in dialogue without delay. Their actions across Sudan have placed countless people at risk and set back the Sudanese people’s rightful call for a peaceful democratic transition,” the statement said.
“We emphasize that comprehensive and lasting settlement of the differences between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces is an urgent priority which can be achieved only by peaceful political dialogue, and within the context of national efforts to address the challenges that Sudan faces pursuant to a political process.
“We continue to stand with the Sudanese people in their calls for a peaceful, just, and free future for Sudan,” the statement continued.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and the region who have made clear calls for the opposing forces to end hostilities immediately. We urge all forces to avoid further escalations, cease fire, halt the movement of forces, suspend resupply, refueling, and rearming actions, and initiate talks to resolve outstanding issues,” the missions added.
