Sudan: US diplomatic convoy came under fire, EU ambassador attacked

In Sudan, the confrontation of the opposing political forces continues. For several days of fighting, at least 185 people were killed, hundreds were injured.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said a US diplomatic convoy came under fire following an apparent attack by militants linked to the Sudanese paramilitary rapid support forces. He called the incident “reckless” and “irresponsible” writes The Gurdian.

Blinken separately called RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, and Sudanese army commander General Abdel Fatah al-Burhan to inform them that any danger to American diplomats was unacceptable. “We are deeply concerned about the overall security environment,” he said at a press conference in Japan, where he attended a meeting of G7 foreign ministers.

EU Ambassador to Sudan Aidan O’Hara was attacked in his home. The Irish diplomat was reportedly “not seriously hurt”.

The UN representative in Sudan said at least 185 people were killed and more than 1,800 were injured. There are still many bodies on the streets. Sudan’s rival factions said they made gains on Monday when violence cut off electricity and water in the capital. Volker Perthes, a UN spokesman, said both sides showed no signs of being willing to negotiate.

A US State Department spokesman said Blinken expressed “grave concern” about civilian deaths in his calls to rival leaders and urged them to agree to a ceasefire. Both were required to “ensure the safety and well-being of civilians, diplomatic personnel and humanitarian workers,” the official said.

Hemedty, whose whereabouts have not been released since the outbreak of hostilities, said he had discussed “pressing matters” with Blinken during their conversation, and further talks were planned. He tweeted:

“We will have another call to continue dialogue and work together to build a brighter future for our peoples.”

Clashes in Khartoum took place around key sites: the international airport, the presidential palace and army headquarters. In comments to Sky News, Burkhan said he was safe at the President’s boarding house on the grounds of the Ministry of Defense.

Senior diplomats on four continents are trying to convince both sides to reach a truce. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the crisis soon. UN Secretary General António Guterres said:

“I strongly condemn the outbreak of hostilities taking place in Sudan and call on the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Reaction Force to immediately cease hostilities, restore calm and engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. The current situation has already resulted in a horrendous loss of life, including many civilian residents”.

The Rapid Reaction Forces today agreed to a 24-hour truce to open humanitarian corridors, but emphasize that the “other side” (Sudanese Armed Forces) continues to carry out airstrikes on populated areas.

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