EU Ambassador to Sudan, Aidan O’Hara, was robbed and threatened at gunpoint in his residence by members of the RSF paramilitary group, reflecting the deteriorating security situation in Sudan. Meanwhile, in response to an attack on a US diplomatic convoy, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Sudan’s military leaders that any threat to American diplomats is unacceptable, urging them to agree to a ceasefire.
EU Ambassador to Sudan, Aidan O’Hara, was assaulted in his residence by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group on Monday afternoon. O’Hara was threatened at gunpoint, robbed, and left unharmed. The assault on O’Hara is a reflection of the deteriorating security situation in Sudan, with people hiding inside their homes around the nation out of concern for their safety. According to local news sources, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the gunmen have been pushing UN staff employees out of their homes in Khartoum.
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Blinken warns Sudan’s military leaders after an attack on US convoy
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Sudan’s military leaders that any threat to American diplomats is unacceptable, following an attack on a US diplomatic convoy in Sudan on 18 April. The convoy, flying US flags, was fired upon, but all members of the group were unharmed. Blinken telephoned the leader of the RSF militia, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as ‘Hemedti’ and Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to express his concerns about the security environment and urged both leaders to agree to a ceasefire.
Blinken also stressed the responsibility of the military leaders to protect civilians, diplomatic personnel, and humanitarian workers, and said he had “deep concerns” about the overall security environment in Sudan. Hemedti, who has not been seen since the violence began, said to sources that he had discussed “pressing issues” with Blinken during their call and further talks were planned.
Civilian casualties rise as Sudanese military and paramilitary clash in power struggle
In fighting between Sudan’s military and the country’s primary paramilitary group, up to 180 civilians have been killed and over 1,800 civilians and combatants have been injured. Medical facilities have been shelled, evacuated, and shut down, including a major medical complex northeast of Khartoum. The Sudan Doctors’ Syndicate said that out of a total of 20 hospitals, 12 hospitals in the capital area have been forcibly evacuated and are out of service due to attacks or power outages. “Four additional hospitals outside of the capital have also closed,” the hospital said in a statement.
After 18 months of the takeover, the Sudanese military promised to hand over control to a civilian-led government this month, but the process has been dominated by competition between General al-Burhan and General Hamdan. The power struggle between the Army and the RSF has paved the way for a civil war. The US, UK, and UN have all asked for a cease-fire. Egypt, which supports Sudan’s military, as well as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both having strong links with the RSF, have also called for both sides to stop fighting.
EU calls for diplomatic safety
The assault on the EU Ambassador in Sudan is a gross violation of the Vienna Convention. Security of diplomatic facilities and personnel is a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and a legal requirement under international law. EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borell Fontelles, has called for Sudanese authorities to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and aid workers. The situation in Sudan is worsening, with people trapped in their homes, hospitals shutting down, and violence escalating. The international community is calling for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers.
