Sudan Conflict: Morocco calls for immediate ceasefire & dialogue

Morocco has called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to cease all hostilities against each other and to open dialogue to preserve the unity and sovereignty of their country.

The call was made Sunday by Morocco’s Ambassador to the African Union Mohamed Arrouchi during an emergency meeting held by the Peace and Security Council on the Sudan situation.

The diplomat also said Morocco is deeply concerned over the ongoing fighting in Sudan, affirming that violence is not the solution to any conflict, and that dialogue is the only way to establish lasting peace.

He also urged all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and work together to find a peaceful solution to this crisis, noting that Morocco “is ready to provide all necessary support to help Sudan overcome this difficult period and build a future of peace, stability and prosperity.”

“We hope that all parties to this conflict will react positively to this call and take immediate measures to end hostilities,” he said, calling on the international community to support the peace and stability process in this brotherly country.

Intense and bloody fighting has gripped Sudan since Saturday, as a violent tussle for power left close to 100 people dead, hundreds more injured, and sparked warnings about a humanitarian crisis that has drained hospitals of blood supplies and life-saving equipment.

Clashes first erupted Saturday between the country’s military and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, who told CNN on Sunday the army had broken a UN-brokered temporary humanitarian ceasefire.

Hemedti said Monday his group will pursue the leader of Sudan’s Armed Forces Abdel Fattah al-Burhan “and bring him to justice,” while Sudan’s army called on paramilitary fighters to defect and join the armed forces.

Following the bloody incidents in Sudan, Morocco’s embassy in Khartoum set up a crisis cell and urged Moroccan nationals to be vigilant and abide by instructions issued by the Sudanese authorities.

Moroccan expatriates are advised not to leave home and avoid places where armed confrontation is happening, said the embassy in a statement.

Moroccans in Sudan can reach the embassy at phone number 00249123613284 if they need any assistance.

The embassy also called on Moroccans willing to travel to Sudan to postpone their plans for now.