After the attack on diplomats… US-European warning of threats to Western interests in Sudan
Fears for the safety of diplomats in the Sudanese capital Khartoum escalated after a US diplomatic convoy was shot at and the European Union ambassador assaulted on Monday.
No one in the convoy was injured, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters after the Group of Seven talks in Tokyo Tuesday. “It was reckless, it was irresponsible, it was obviously unsafe,” he said.
“The US convoy was reportedly targeted by the Sudan Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary force engaged in fierce fighting with forces loyal to Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council (STC).”
Escalation of Clashes
According to the U.S. newspaper, The Monitor, at least 200 people were killed and nearly 1,800 injured in three days of clashes in cities that set off alarm bells across the region, and Blinken called Burhan and Commander of the Rapid Support Forces, General Muhammad Hamdan Dqalu, also known as Hemeti, to warn them that any threat to U.S. diplomatic personnel was unacceptable, and called on both sides to immediately cease fire.
“In both calls, I emphasized the responsibilities that Sudan’s fighting forces carry to ensure the safety and security of U.S. diplomats and other residents in Sudan, as well as U.N. personnel and other humanitarian partners,” Blinken said. “If implemented successfully, a 24-hour ceasefire could create a basis to build on for a more sustainable cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations on a permanent end to hostilities.”
“The people of Sudan have made their democratic aspirations clear, and after months of talks, they are close to restoring a civilian-led government, and we remain committed to helping them achieve that goal, while at the same time taking all appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our people.”
John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said U.S. embassy staff are taking shelter in Sudan, adding, “All American personnel are being held accountable.”
“Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Sudan Edan O’Hara was attacked at his home in Khartoum on Monday afternoon.”
Irish Foreign Minister Michele Martin said the ambassador was not seriously injured. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the attack on Twitter, writing: “The security of diplomatic premises and personnel is the primary responsibility of the Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law.”
An EU spokeswoman said: The EU delegation was not evacuated after the incident but an assessment of security is under way. The EU did not say who carried out the attack in Uhara.
Heavy fighting continues despite numerous calls for a ceasefire and direct efforts by the United Arab Emirates and neighboring Egypt to this end.
