Quintet Mechanism Condemns Drone Attacks in Sudan, Calls for Truce and Immediate Ceasefire
Addis Ababa – Sudanhorizon
The Quintet Mechanism, comprising the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the European Union and the United Nations, has condemned the military escalation in Sudan and the deadly drone attacks targeting several parts of the country.
In a statement, the mechanism expressed deep concern over drone attacks in Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile, Gedaref, Al-Jazira, Sennar and the Red Sea State, which have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to vital infrastructure, including electricity stations and healthcare facilities.
It warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure have caused power outages, disrupted essential services and further worsened the humanitarian situation. Such developments, it added, undermine humanitarian relief efforts and jeopardise prospects for peace and recovery in Sudan.
The mechanism recalled the decisions, regulations, conclusions and previous statements issued by its member organisations, all of which call for an end to hostilities, the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and an inclusive political process.
It stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and attacks against civilians, civilian objects and critical infrastructure. It also urged an end to external support that contributes to fuelling the conflict.
The Quintet Mechanism called on regional and international actors to use their influence to help de-escalate the situation, including by supporting the mechanism’s efforts to secure a humanitarian truce as a step towards a comprehensive ceasefire.
It further called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure accountability for violations, stressing that deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.
“The time has come for the guns to fall silent,” the statement said.
The mechanism reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, rejecting the establishment of parallel governments or structures. It emphasised the need for a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned inclusive political process.
It noted that its recent engagement with Sudanese political and civil forces, including meetings held in Khartoum, had demonstrated a shared recognition of the need to end the war and address its root causes.
The Quintet Mechanism said it would continue its engagement with Sudanese stakeholders to support an organised and inclusive political dialogue aimed at achieving lasting peace in the country.
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