APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) As the month of fasting sets in, the African Union Commission head hopes it will cause the warring sides in Sudan to opt for a ceasefire.
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat calls upon Sudanese warring parties to observe a total cease-fire during the holy month of Ramadan says a statement over the weekend.
Faki stresses that such a cease-fire during the holy month of Ramadan could help facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need throughout the conflict-torn country.
He also urges the warring parties to shoulder their responsibilities to prevent the serious risk of famine and other humanitarian catastrophes from befalling the Sudanese people and neighbouring states.
Deadly clashes have been going on between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan since April last year.
Amid the continued fighting in different parts of the country, Sudan is now home to the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with 6.3 million people seeking safety within the country since the beginning of the conflict.
Another 1.7 million people have also fled to neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations.
Last Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the cessation of hostilities in Sudan during the holy month of Ramadan.
“A Ramadan cessation of hostilities can help stem the suffering and usher the way to sustainable peace. Let us spare no effort to support the people of Sudan in their legitimate aspirations for a peaceful and secure future,” said Guterres.
MG/as/APA