President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday met Sudan Transitional Sovereign Council vice president Malik Agar Eyre Nganyoufa in a significant diplomatic engagement that underscored South Africa’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives in the war-torn North African nation.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Nganyoufa briefed Ramaphosa on the ongoing developments towards establishing peace in Sudan amid an internal conflict and humanitarian crisis that have plagued the country since April 2023.
“The purpose of the meeting was to brief the president on the developments towards peace in Sudan,” Magwenya said.
He said Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s support for dialogue between the warring factions.
“The president further reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire that will alleviate the suffering and humanitarian catastrophe facing the Sudanese people, especially women and children.”
The United Nations says nearly 25 million people – about half of Sudan’s population – need aid amid fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces over the past 11 months.
A further eight million have fled their homes and hunger is rising, according to the world body.
Ramaphosa emphasised that peaceful discourse is pivotal in navigating through the complex political landscape of Sudan and ensuring stability.
The meeting served as a precursor to an anticipated engagement between Ramaphosa and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council.
It underscores South Africa’s active role in regional diplomacy and its commitment to fostering peace on the African continent.
JN/APA