APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The African Union has issued an appeal to neighbouring states and the international community to extend their support to civilians fleeing the conflict in Sudan.
The appeal was made Friday on the day the rival factions of Sudan’s military agreed to renew a three-day ceasefire, shortly before it was due to expire.
The previous truce allowed thousands of people to attempt to flee to safety.
The chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat says he is gravely concerned by the plight of civilians caught up in the deadly conflict in Sudan.
Mahamat renews calls on Sudan’s neighbours, regional and global agencies to facilitate the transit and safety of civilians crossing their borders.
He also urges the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately agree on a permanent ceasefire.
This will help to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Sudanese in dire need, the chairperson says.
Almost two weeks of fighting between the army and a rival paramilitary group have caused devastating humanitarian challenges especially for civilians.
Sudan’s health ministry says at least 512 people have been killed in the fighting and almost 4,200 injured.
Other reports say the death toll could be much higher.
MG/as/APA