Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa have reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the conflict in Sudan on Saturday.

The two countries also called for the commencement of a process to expedite access to humanitarian assistance in the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa, Ronald Lamola, stated this in a joint statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to Tuggar.

The ministers spoke on the outcome of their meeting on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council in Accra, Ghana.

The ministers exchanged views on regional and continental matters, including peace and security on the African continent.

In particular, the two countries expressed concern about the on-going conflict in Sudan.

The conflict has resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives, exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, displaced millions of people, affected women and children, and led to the total destruction of critical infrastructure.

The ministers reiterated their call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the conflict, and the commencement of a process to expedite access to humanitarian assistance.

They urged the international community to take urgent concrete and practical steps to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan in an inclusive manner.

The ministers also reaffirmed the existing strong historical bilateral relations, bonds of friendship and solidarity between South Africa and Nigeria.

They expressed their commitment to redoubling their efforts to expand and deepen cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.

In this regard, the ministers promised to finalise preparations for the upcoming session of the Bi-National Commission, scheduled to take place in South Africa. 

(NAN)