The African Union (AU) has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan as the humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate. Speaking on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, urged the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), along with their allies, to halt the ongoing violence.
Adeoye described the situation in Sudan as a \"full-blown war\" resulting in the worst humanitarian crisis in Africa, possibly globally. Since the conflict erupted between the SAF and RSF in mid-April 2023, the AU has been closely monitoring the developments.
Recent estimates by international organizations indicate that the conflict has claimed over 28,700 lives and displaced more than 14 million people. \"We condemn all forms of violations, including grave violations against women and children in Sudan,\" Adeoye stated.
Despite Sudan's suspension from the AU since October 2021, the AU Commission, its Peace and Security Council, and peace-loving actors across Africa and beyond remain actively engaged in addressing the crisis. In response to Sudan's request to lift the suspension, Adeoye emphasized that reinstatement requires an inclusive and democratic political transition in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
Adeoye noted that without significant progress toward a democratic and constitutional political transition, lifting Sudan's suspension remains unlikely. The ongoing conflict not only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis but also tarnishes Sudan's reputation as a founding member of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor to the AU.
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AU urges immediate ceasefire in Sudan as humanitarian crisis worsens
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