Pope Francis has called for dialogue between Sudan’s opposing armed forces as the country’s violence worsens by the day, according to Al Jazeera.
Pope Francis called for dialogue between Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during his Sunday address in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
“Unfortunately, the situation remains grave in Sudan,” the Pope said in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
“That is why I am renewing my call for the violence to stop as quickly as possible and for dialogue to resume,” he added.
According to Al Jazeera, there have been over 400 deaths and over 3,500 injuries since the battle began. Sudan is experiencing violence as a result of clashes between the army and paramilitary forces. Even though there is a 72-hour ceasefire, there have been reports of violence.
The conflict began in 2021, when a coup between Sudan’s military leader and his deputy on the ruling council erupted, destabilising a plan for a civilian democracy following the fall of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Elections were scheduled to take place by the end of 2023.
Fighting has erupted between forces loyal to Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Several countries have begun to evacuate their citizens from war-torn Sudan. The United States was the most recent country to conduct an operation in Sudan and evacuate government personnel.
“Today, on my orders, the United States military conducted an operation to extract US Government personnel from Khartoum. I am proud of the extraordinary commitment of our Embassy staff, who performed their duties with courage and professionalism and embodied America’s friendship and connection with the people of Sudan,” Biden said in a statement, released by the White House.
“I am grateful for the unmatched skill of our service members who successfully brought them to safety. And I thank Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia, which were critical to the success of our operation,” he added.
The US President also stated that he receives regular updates from his team on the ongoing efforts to assist Americans in Sudan to the greatest extent possible. In this effort, the United States is collaborating closely with our allies and partners.
The US President also stated that he receives regular updates from his team on the ongoing efforts to assist Americans in Sudan to the greatest extent possible. In this effort, the United States is collaborating closely with our allies and partners.
