Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, took part in an online international meeting organised by the African Union on the situation in Sudan this afternoon. The meeting was attended by various international leaders, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the European High Representative, the Executive Secretary of the IGAD, foreign ministers and high-ranking officials from neighbouring countries of Sudan, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the African members of the Security Council, as well as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
The official spokesman for the Secretary-General has stated that Mr. Aboul Gheit reiterated his call to all parties in Sudan, including the Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to declare a ceasefire during the days of Eid, which begins tomorrow. The purpose of the ceasefire is to allow civilians to have a respite, fulfil their humanitarian needs, and deal with critical and urgent humanitarian cases.
Aboul Gheit emphasised the need for a serious commitment to achieving a ceasefire that would be respected and allow for the opening of humanitarian corridors, and the restoration of the peaceful path in Sudan. He further stressed that a new phase must be established that meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people, and enhances security, political stability, and economic growth in the country.
The Secretary-General announced that the League of Arab States will send a high-level delegation to Sudan as soon as possible to help reconcile the parties and contribute to efforts to stabilise the ceasefire and restore the peaceful path. The delegation will also support the coordination of regional and international efforts aimed at achieving these goals.
It is worth noting that the Council of the League of Arab States held a meeting on 16 April and issued a statement calling for an immediate cessation of all armed clashes in Sudan. The statement stressed the importance of stopping the bloodshed, preserving the security and safety of civilians and the capabilities of the Sudanese people, as well as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sudan. The statement also underscored the importance of a quick return to the peaceful path to resolve the crisis in Sudan.
