South Africa has strongly condemned the deliberate attacks on civilians and essential civilian infrastructure in Sudan, including hospitals, urging all warring factions to halt the escalating violence and respect international law.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola said the government was deeply alarmed by the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the conflict-torn country.
“We firmly assert that there must be no impunity for the serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL),” Lamola said. “The principle of protection of civilians and the safeguarding of essential infrastructure remain non-negotiable legal and moral obligations.”
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left more than half of Sudan’s population in desperate need of life-saving aid.
Lamola welcomed the African Union Peace and Security Council’s emergency meeting on the Sudan crisis, calling it a ‘decisive intervention’ necessary to restore stability.
“The decisive intervention of the African Union at this critical juncture is a paramount imperative for restoring peace and stability,” he said.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also urgently appealed for the protection of civilians in El Fasher, North Darfur, and for safe passage to be allowed to areas of refuge, as ethnic-based violence and large-scale massacres continue to terrorise the region.
“Famine has been spreading as the RSF have been attacking and besieging the area for more than 500 days, preventing food and aid from reaching the starving people at all cost,” said the organisation.
The government called for the immediate and verifiable cessation of hostilities between the warring parties and demanded that both the SAF and RSF honour their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
Dirco further urged the factions to protect medical personnel, allow safe passage for civilians, and grant unrestricted humanitarian access across Sudan.
Lamola also appealed to international actors to stop fuelling the conflict through military or financial support.
“We call upon all external actors and countries involved in this crisis to adhere to international law,” he added. “South Africa stands ready to support a credible, inclusive process that would lead to a just peace and the re-establishment of a civilian-led political transition.”
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