180 dead, 1,800 injured as fighting continue in Sudan

At least 180 people have been killed and 1,800 injured in fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitaries in Sudan. Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the UN said.

Volker Perthes, the UN Special Representative for Sudan, said that the situation in Sudan is “very fluid, so it is very difficult to say where the balance is shifting”.

The fighting that erupted on Saturday has continued into its fourth day despite calls for a temporary ceasefire by various world leaders, including the UN.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Perthes said that “the two warring parties do not appear to want mediation to bring peace between them immediately.”

The ongoing fighting has led to the destruction of buildings and facilities in the already torn country, including members of the diplomatic community.

Josep Borell, the head of EU foreign policy, announced in a tweet that the EU ambassador was attacked in his residence in Sudan.

“This is a serious violation of the Vienna Convention. The security of diplomatic premises and staff is the primary responsibility of the Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law,” he said.

A convoy of clearly marked US diplomatic vehicles was also attacked with a preliminary report linking the attackers to the RSF. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the passengers in the vehicle are safe.

What African leaders say

The African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) in an emergency meeting on Sunday feared that the situation in Sudan “could reach a dangerous level and turn into full-blown conflict, thus undermining progress towards a peaceful transition”. democracy and stability in Sudan.’

He condemned the fighting and called for a ceasefire, as he called on countries in the region and other stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to bring the country back to the process of transition to a constitutional order.

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In a similar meeting, the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) called on both parties to immediately reconcile and unconditionally cease hostilities; reduce tensions; and allow unrestricted humanitarian access and ensure that Sudanese citizens observe the holy month of Ramadan in peace.

The group agreed to send a high-level delegation headed by Salva Kiir Mayardit; President of the Republic of South Sudan; and composed of William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; and Ismail Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti; to Khartoum as soon as possible to engage the two leaders to resume negotiations on all matters including security and military reform, and to report to the Assembly.

Likewise, they would convene a Regular Meeting of the IGAD Heads of State and Government Assembly as soon as possible, in person or virtually, to discuss the institutional issues of IGAD and other issues of concern to the region.