The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan State in Sudan and the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation across the country.
Youssouf called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, exercise maximum restraint, and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and the commitments contained in the Jeddah Declaration, including the protection of civilians and the facilitation of safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
He further reiterated the need for accountability for all violations and abuses committed against civilians and urged all external actors to refrain from actions that may exacerbate the conflict.
The African Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan and calls for renewed efforts towards an inclusive political process that will restore peace, stability and constitutional order.
Sudan plunged into civil war in April 2023 after a vicious struggle for power broke out between its army and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
More than 200,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes in what the United Nations called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
MG/as/APA