The African Union (AU) has expressed “deep concern” over the escalating conflict in Sudan, condemning the ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity that have affected the country since mid-April 2023.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the AU condemned the escalating clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), highlighting in particular the persistent violations of human rights. The statement followed a special meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council held last Friday to address the conflict.
The AU particularly highlighted the devastating impact of the fighting in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, where ongoing sieges and relentless fighting have severely disrupted livelihoods on a large scale.
In addition to its condemnation, the AU called on both warring parties to observe a humanitarian ceasefire by the start of Eid al-Fitr next month.