PAP expresses concern over crisis in Sudan as AU warns against external interference

President of the Pan-African Parliament, H. E. Hon.Chief Fortune Charumbira has noted with grave concern, the outbreak and escalation of armed conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that has resulted in the death of at least three civilians and injuries to countless others.

This was contained in a statement personally signed by H. E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira on Sunday.

“The latest outbreak of violence which, regrettably, comes during the holy month of Ramadan can only but reverse the significant  gains that the Republic of Sudan had made in the quest for peace, stability and post conflict recovery over the last two years” he wrote.

He implored all parties involved to settle their differences through mediation and dialogue to prevent any further loss of invaluable Sudanese lives and work towards the restoration  of lasting peace and stability in the country and the region.

“The Pan-African Parliament remains committed to contributing to peace and security in Sudan and the entire continent through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue” he concluded.

It would be recalled that Sudan has been run by a council of generals after a coup overthrew the country’s long-standing authoritarian president, Omar al- Bashir in 2019.  The violence broke out on Saturday after days of tensions over the roadmap for the country’s transition to civil rule.  

 The disagreement over the proposed integration of the RSF into the military has delayed the signing of an internationally backed agreement with political parties on a transition to democracy.

Meanwhile, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Sunday warned against external interference in the crisis in Sudan and demanded the warring parties to “swiftly embrace a peaceful solution and inclusive dialogue.”

The council “strongly rejects any external interference that could complicate the situation in Sudan,” it said in a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Sudan held at the African Union’s headquarters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

The council urged regional countries and other stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to return the country to the transition process towards a constitutional order.

It also demanded the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to “swiftly embrace a peaceful solution and inclusive dialogue” to resolve their differences.

Clashes between Sudan's military and the paramilitary RSF continued for a second consecutive day Sunday in various parts of the capital Khartoum, particularly at or near army headquarters.

The military said they were advancing on RSF bases in Khartoum and other states.