The European Union (EU) ambassador to Sudan was attacked at his residence, European diplomatic chief Josep Borrell revealed, as Khartoum is the victim of violent fighting due to the power struggle between two generals.
“A few hours ago, the EU ambassador to Sudan was attacked at his home,” Borrell tweeted, without elaborating.
A few hours ago, the EU ambassador entered #Sudan was attacked in his own home.
This constitutes a gross violation of the Vienna Convention. The security of diplomatic premises and personnel is a primary responsibility of the Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law.
– Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) April 17, 2023
Given that there was “a flagrant violation” of the Vienna Convention, Borrell noted that the Sudanese authorities had a responsibility to ensure the safety of diplomatic facilities and diplomats in the country.
Despite the incident with the EU ambassador, Ireland’s Aidan O’Hara assured EU diplomatic services spokeswoman Nabila Massrali that the EU delegation had not been evacuated and reiterated that the security of the delegation’s staff was “the has priority”.
Earlier in the day, Borrell had called for a ceasefire in Sudan “to enable mediation”, adding that “the EU is working to convince both sides of the need for a humanitarian pause and to encourage dialogue “.
More than 185 people have been killed and 1,800 injured in the past three days of fierce fighting, according to the United Nations.
“The situation is very volatile. It is difficult to judge in which direction the balance is shifting,” said Volker Perthes, head of the UN mission in Sudan, from Khartoum.
The conflict has been brewing for weeks between the head of the army, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, the de facto leader of the country, and his number two, General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, better known as “Hemedti”, head of the Rapid Support ( RSF). ), who together pushed civilians out of power in the October 2021 coup.
Source: DN
