By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

The violence in Sudan continues to escalate, the armed conflict within the country between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the rebellious military group the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has caused the bloodshed of countless innocent civilians, the destruction of infrastructure and has also left civilians severely displaced.

This ongoing civil war which began on 15 April 2023, the civilians of Sudan have been victims of gunfire and the situation does not seem to be in control.

 More recently the capital of North Darfur, El Fasher has been subjected to immense brutalisation and has been suffering from this bloodshed for 500 days.

Reports of heavy artillery have been fired in densely populated areas and neighbourhoods, one of these areas include Awlad al-Reef where 24 lives were lost due to gun fire and leaving 55 civilians injured.

 South Africa has outlined their disdain over the civil war happening in the country of Sudan, as they have been as vocal for the atrocities within the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the latter of which even going to the extent of taking Israel to the International Court of Justice for infringing on the human rights of the Palestinian people.

The conflict in Sudan creates difficulty in stabilizing economic prosperity within the country as well as for other neighbouring countries that are experiencing the effects of this civil war.

 The emphasis on the safety of women and children is where South Africa’s concerns specifically lie.

 South Africa also calls for aid to be dispatched in the country of Sudan as well as medical support for the civilians that have suffered injuries due to this conflict.

South Africa has expressed that conflict cannot be resolved through militant force and must begin to foster peace by having a dialogue where all parties can express their grievances.

 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been engaging with the parties involved in this conflict and has asked the parties to negotiate a way they can resolve their conflict without the expense of civilians.

“South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, especially women and children who continue to face the plight of this war. South Africa reiterates its call for the immediate end to the conflict and the resumption of sincere and genuine talks to bring an end to the conflict,” said International Relations Minister’s spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.