Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef urged the African Union to lift the country’s suspension, highlighting the need for a reassessment of the current situation. He emphasized the RSF’s ongoing hostilities and the government’s commitment to peace efforts, despite setbacks. The statement included grave allegations against the RSF, involving human rights abuses and violations of agreements.
Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, formally requested the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to reassess the decision to suspend Sudan’s membership. In a message sent ahead of the council’s meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he emphasized the need to evaluate the current situation in Sudan and stressed that the country should reclaim its position in the continental organization.
The African Union imposed the suspension on Sudan on October 27, 2021, shortly after the military seized control and dismissed a civilian-led government that was established following the ousting of long-standing leader Omar al-Bashir. Youssef’s message also addressed the roadmap laid out by Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, developed in collaboration with various political and community representatives.
The statement elaborated on the ongoing conflict initiated by the dissolved Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which attempted a coup and subsequently engaged in extensive hostilities against the Sudanese people. The minister’s message highlighted that the RSF, backed by unnamed regional forces, has received advanced weaponry and global mercenaries, swelling their ranks to over 200,000.
Despite a commitment to peace to resolve the escalating violence, including signing the Jeddah Declaration, the RSF has reportedly failed to uphold their obligations. They have not only violated the agreement but have exploited it to seize additional civilian locations, disrupting communities and local security.
Furthermore, the foreign ministry outlined serious human rights abuses attributed to the RSF, including genocide in Darfur, targeting civilians, and the strategic use of rape during combat. The message detailed a range of assaults on national infrastructure and widespread looting of both public and private assets.
In summary, Sudan’s appeal to the African Union highlights the complexities surrounding its political situation and the intense conflict perpetuated by the RSF. The minister calls for a reevaluation of the suspension in light of developments and stresses the government’s attempts to restore peace. Serious allegations of human rights violations have been documented, requiring urgent consideration in discussions with the African Union.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
