Pretoria has warned of a worsening crisis and spoken of the need for humanitarian access
South Africa has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and is urging both sides to resume talks. It said on Saturday there was a need for “inclusive dialogue” to resolve the conflict, which has been raging since April 2023.
Battles between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed thousands and displaced millions. The South African Foreign Ministry described the war as a “humanitarian and refugee crisis” marked by civilian deaths, destruction of infrastructure, and mass displacement in Sudan and neighboring countries.
“South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, especially women and children, who continue to face the plight of this war,” the ministry said, reiterating calls for an immediate ceasefire and return to negotiations.
Particular concern was raised over El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province, “which has been besieged for over 500 days.” According to the ministry, artillery strikes earlier in August hit densely populated areas, including the central market, leaving 24 people dead and at least 55 injured.
The statement warned that the conflict threatened regional stability and economic security. It called for the protection of civilians, adherence to international humanitarian law, and unimpeded access for humanitarian and medical aid, particularly in El Fasher.
“There can be no military solution to the conflict, which must be resolved in a peaceful manner on the basis of a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue, paving the way to a peaceful transition process where a civilian-led, democratic Government, can steer the country towards harmony, reconciliation and redevelopment,” it stated.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by fierce fighting between the paramilitary RSF and the national army, with both factions vying for control amid a stalled transition to civilian rule.
In June, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin met with the UN secretary-general’s envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, to discuss ways to bring the armed conflict in Sudan to an end.
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