Zambia has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between two warring factions in Sudan, which has triggered a devastating humanitarian crisis.

In a statement, Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called on both parties to ensure that the lives of civilians are protected at all times.

“Zambia supports diplomatic efforts under the auspices of the African Union as a high-level panel for Sudan.

“The AU is committed to working with the people of Sudan to end the fighting and achieve lasting peace in Sudan,” the ministry said.

It is noted that Zambia remains open to supporting all efforts by the international community to bring about lasting peace in Sudan.

It said that Zambia is aligning itself with the AU, which has called on all parties to respect all diplomatic missions in line with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees their protection.

The conflict in April 2023 stemmed from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces.

Data from the UN Refugee Agency showed that nearly three million refugees and returnees had fled Sudan over the course of 18 months of fighting, seeking safety in neighbouring countries and beyond. 

(Xinhua/NAN)