East African bloc expresses ‘deep concern’ over Sudan crisis

KIGALI, Rwanda

The East African Community (EAC) bloc expressed “deep concern” Tuesday over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, warning it will have a ripple effect in the region and the African continent.

At least 185 people have been reported killed and 1,800 injured since Saturday, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital Khartoum and its surroundings.

“The EAC is deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in our neighboring state,” the bloc said in a statement. “The EAC calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the warring parties to avoid further loss of life, injuries and damage to property.”

The bloc called on both parties to resolve the conflict amicably through the available conflict resolution mechanisms at the regional, continental and international levels.

It expressed its solidarity with the people of Sudan in the quest for peace and urged the rival groups to exhaust all diplomatic options in an effort to find a lasting solution.

“The conflict will not only cause insecurity and instability in the country but will have a ripple effect in the region and the continent at large,” it said.

The bloc expressed particular concern that the most vulnerable segments of the Sudanese population -- women and children -- are bearing the brunt of the conflict.

The African Union and the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.