African Union Calls for Urgent Ceasefire in Sudan Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
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Synopsis
The African Union has made a call for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for a political transition as the humanitarian crisis deepens. The AU's commissioner has condemned the violence and highlighted the severe impact on civilians.
Key Takeaways
- AU demands immediate ceasefire in Sudan.
- Conflict has led to over 28,700 deaths.
- More than 14 million people displaced due to the war.
- Worsening humanitarian crisis is a major concern.
- Political transition required for lifting AU suspension.
Addis Ababa, Feb 17 (NationPress) The African Union (AU) has urged the conflicting factions in Sudan to implement an immediate ceasefire and embark on a political transition due to the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Sudan is experiencing a devastating war, leading to what is deemed the worst humanitarian crisis in Africa, and possibly the entire world. We seize this occasion to implore the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their numerous allies, to halt the violence,” stated Bankole Adeoye, AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, addressing the media on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Adeoye expressed that the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan has been a matter of grave concern to the 55-member pan-African organization since the conflict ignited in mid-April 2023 between the SAF and the paramilitary RSF.
“We denounce all kinds of violations, especially severe violations against women and children, occurring in Sudan,” Adeoye remarked.
Recent estimates from international organizations indicate that the conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 28,700 fatalities and displaced more than 14 million people.
Adeoye highlighted that even though Sudan remains suspended from the AU, the situation continues to garner “active attention” from the AU Commission, its Peace and Security Council, and all peace-loving entities across Africa and beyond.
The AU suspended Sudan's membership on October 27, 2021, merely two days after Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council and commander of the SAF, announced a state of emergency and disbanded the ruling council.
In response to Sudan's recent appeal to the AU to terminate the suspension of its membership, Adeoye stated that lifting the suspension necessitates an inclusive political transition, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Adeoye emphasized that the question of sanctions is contingent on the protocols of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, insisting that the process requires considerable strides toward a democratic and constitutional political transition.
“Currently, that is not the reality in Sudan. There is a pressing need to assess how the African Union's shared values and principles are being upheld,” Adeoye informed reporters.
He further added that besides the escalating conflict-induced humanitarian crisis, the ongoing strife is also tarnishing the reputation of Sudan, a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, the predecessor of the AU.
