AU condemns attacks on Port Sudan
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned attacks on Port Sudan in Sudan, that had been used as a de facto capital of the war-torn East African country since a bloody civil war broke out just over two years ago.
A communique by the AU said it had learned with “deep concern and dismay” of the violent attack on Port Sudan, “a strategic city that has remained one of the few relatively stable zones” in the country amid the ongoing conflict.
“The African Union strongly condemns this attack, which represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict and a direct threat to the lives of civilians, humanitarian access, and regional stability,” the communique said, as the bombardments blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continued for the third successive day on Tuesday.
“The African Union reiterates its firm commitment to the protection of civilians, and strongly denounces all acts that undermine peace efforts, disrupt humanitarian operations, or target vital infrastructure.”
The communique said Port Sudan had played “a critical role” as a logistical and humanitarian hub amid the current conflict, stressing that “any aggression targeting it not only threatens the safety of innocent people but also undermines ongoing efforts to stabilise the country”.
The AU renewed its urgent call for an “immediate ceasefire” and the resumption of inclusive political dialogue under African leadership. It urges all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The communique said the AU, through its High-Level Panel on Sudan, remains actively engaged in efforts to facilitate dialogue, mediate between the parties, and support national, regional, and international peace initiatives.
AU called on all stakeholders to support African-led mediation and to place the interests of the Sudanese people above all else.
“The African Union urges the international community to stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people, and to intensify efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Sudan.”
The AU said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the people of Sudan in their pursuit of peace, dignity, and national unity.
Media reports speak of explosions in Port Sudan on Tuesday with black smoke.
The reports say fights have been cancelled after drones hit the international airport and a hotel near the current presidential palace.
The UN for its part is sounding the alarm over escalating violence in Sudan following drone strikes near Port Sudan airport reportedly carried out by the RSF.
“These attacks appear to be the latest in a series of retaliatory military operations, conducted by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, targeting airports in each other’s areas of control,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York on Monday.
The fighting between troops of the military Government and former allies-turned-rivals for power, the RSF, began in April 2023. The war has devastated much of the country, killing thousands and displacing over 8.6 million people, according to UN agencies.
As conflict rages in Khartoum, Darfur, and other areas, Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast has remained a relative safe haven and a key hub for UN and international relief efforts.
The RSF carried out drone attacks on a military base and other targets on Sunday near the airport – and on Monday, there was a second series of attacks targeting fuel depots in the eastern part of Port Sudan, according to latest news reports.
The RSF has not so far claimed responsibility for the strikes which left fuel storage facilities ablaze in what the army characterised as an attack on civilian infrastructure.
The Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres is “concerned with the recent reports of drone attacks on military and civilian infrastructure” in the area, which until now had largely been spared from the devastation of the year-long war.
-0- PANA MA 6May2025
