Kwazulu-natal: South Africa has condemned the ‘abhorrent’ attacks in Sudan that deliberately target civilians and critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. ‘We firmly assert that there must be no impunity for the serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The principle of protection of civilians and the safeguarding of essential infrastructure remain non-negotiable legal and moral obligations,’ the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement released on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, ongoing acts of impunity have led to a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving more than half of Sudan’s population in urgent need of life-saving aid. The department said the South African Government welcomes the emergency meeting convened by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) to address the increasingly dire situation in Sudan.
‘The decisive intervention of the African Union at this critical juncture is a paramount imperative for restoring peace and stability,’ the statement read. Government has called on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately and unconditionally implement a verifiable cessation of hostilities. It is also urging strict adherence to their obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL), which includes protecting medical personnel and allowing safe passage for individuals seeking refuge.
South Africa is additionally advocating for rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected populations across Sudan. ‘We call upon all external actors and countries involved in this crisis to adhere to international law. This entails moving away from any form of supporting, supplying, or enabling the armed belligerents. South Africa stands ready to support a credible, inclusive process that would lead to a justice peace, leading to the re-establishment of a civilian-led political transition. The sovereignty and will of the Sudanese people for a democratic future must be respected.’