South Africa flags concerns over Sudanese turmoil
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South Africa has again expressed its serious concern at the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan which has resulted in loss of civilian lives, wanton destruction of property, especially critical infrastructure, and displacement of the population.
The Office of the Presidency says Pretoria stands in solidarity with the innocent people of Sudan, who have been subjected to untold suffering since the outbreak of hostilities on 15 April 2023, with the main protagonists to the conflict being the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
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 human suffering that the people of Sudan have endured for a long time.
"There can be no military solution to the fighting, which must be resolved in a peaceful manner on the basis of a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue, paving the way for a return to the transition process towards a civilian-led, democratic Government,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
He further expressed concern at the outbreak of a major fighting in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur and the plight faced by many civilians, especially women and children.
“The reported use of heavy artillery by the fighting parties in populated places continues to place the lives of civilians in danger.
"In this regard we wish to sight the warning by the Secretary-General of the UN, Mr Antonio Gutteres, during his recent address to the UN Security Council, that intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population and wilfully impending humanitarian relief for civilians in need may constitute war crimes,” Magwenya noted.
He added that South Africa pledges its full support to the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to promote the peaceful end to the conflict through mediation and dialogue.
-0- PANA CU/AR 30May2024
