South Africa has condemned the escalating violence in Sudan, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access and a Sudanese-led peace process to end the devastating civil war.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation, particularly the recent attack on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which has been under siege for more than 500 days.
According to medical sources, heavy artillery fire struck densely populated areas including the central market and Awlad al-Reef, killing at least 24 civilians and injuring 55 others.
“South Africa reiterates its call for the immediate end to the conflict and resumption of genuine and sincere talks to bring an end to the conflict,” DIRCO said.
“This prolonged conflict poses a grave threat to the stability and economic prosperity of Sudan and the broader region as its spillover effects, including the humanitarian and refugee crisis have worsened.”
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced nearly 13 million people.
El Fasher remains the last major city in Darfur under government control and has become a flashpoint for atrocities, including summary executions, starvation and indiscriminate shelling.
South Africa noted that there can be no military solution to the crisis and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
It called for immediate access to deliver food, medical aid, and protection to civilians trapped in conflict zones, notably in El Fasher, where over 260,000 people – including 130,000 children – remain cut off from assistance.
“It cannot be emphasised enough that there is an urgent need to put an end to this conflict where indiscriminate human rights abuses are committed daily.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has consistently advocated for dialogue and has engaged with Sudanese stakeholders to encourage a return to negotiations.
South Africa reaffirmed its support for mediation efforts led by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
JN/APA