Saudi FM, EU foreign policy chief discuss Sudan de-escalation effort

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Apr 2023 17:22

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and his EU counterpart discuss de-escalation efforts in Sudan after clashes took the country by storm.

Smoke is seen in Khartoum, Sudan, April 19, 2023 (AP)

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan stressed Sunday the need for the de-escalation of the situation in Sudan during a phone call.

Reportedly, bin Farhan and Borrell discussed the efforts needed to top the violence in Sudan, underlining the importance of protecting the civilians and residents, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Borrell said in a tweet that he agreed with Prince Faisal on "continu[ing] to collectively push for an immediate ceasefire."

"We share concerns on military escalation [...] protection of civilians is a priority," the EU top diplomat underlined.

Moreover, the senior diplomats addressed the latest developments in the region, as well as in the international arena, while also touching on joint efforts to bring about international peace and security.

Read next: What is happening in Sudan?

This comes after fighting in Sudan's capital entered a second week Saturday as crackling gunfire shattered the temporary 72-hour truce, marking the latest battles between forces of rival generals that have already left hundreds dead and thousands wounded.

On Saturday morning, bursts of gunfire resumed after the heavy explosions that had previously rocked the city in recent days had calmed down overnight.

Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan's forces declared a unilateral three-day truce starting Friday on the occasion of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, and wished for the RSF paramilitary organization to comply with the ceasefire.

Despite RSF agreeing on a ceasefire - starting at 6:00 am local time (4:00 GMT) on Friday - the truce did not hold as the warring sides continued their military campaigns across several regions in the country, mostly Sudan's capital Khartoum.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded the death of 413 people and 3,551 wounded due to the ongoing fighting across different regions of Sudan - while tolls are probably higher as it is almost impossible to get an accurate number in areas witnessing intense clashes.

China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, have prepared themselves to evacuate diplomats and other nationals from Sudan's capital "in the coming hours" according to the SAF.

Additionally, Khartoum announced that Saudi Arabia evacuated its embassy workers via the Port of Sudan, with Jordan being expected to follow suit.