Bio tells Heads of State on the situation in Sudan

President Julius Maada Bio has told heads of state that the situation in Sudan has reached a point of grave concern, thereby igniting the world’s largest displacement and fastest unfolding crisis.

He made this remarks in a virtual meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (Heads of State and Government Level) on the situation in the Republic of Sudan, where he said Sudan is facing profound challenges that demand their immediate and unified response.

“The enduring conflict spanning over a year has inflicted untold suffering upon the Sudanese people, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of civilians have died and thousands more injured, while millions of Sudanese have been internally displaced or forced to seek refuge in neighbouring countries,” he told other colleague heads of state.

He said a considerable number of the population, including children, lack access to health care, and many of them are missing out on education, adding that there were reports of sexual and gender-based violence being perpetrated against women and girls by the aggressors in the conflict.

“The humanitarian situation, including shortages of food, clean water, fuel, electricity, and medicines, remains dire due to the ongoing armed conflict. If the hostilities continue unabated, Sudan risks a complete collapse, with spillover effects on its immediate neighbours and the wider Continent,” he stated.

President Bio urged the parties to the conflict in Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to immediately halt hostilities, exercise maximum restraint, and prioritise the well-being and safety of the Sudanese people.

“Sierra Leone, having experienced its trials and tribulations, deeply understands the painful impact of conflict on a nation’s social fabric and development. It is with this profound understanding that we stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan. We are committed to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in Sudan,” he told his audience.

He called on his colleague heads of state to leverage their collective wisdom, resources, and influence to facilitate a peaceful resolution, noting that it was imperative that they support the ongoing mediation efforts, provide humanitarian assistance, and ensure that the voices of all Sudanese stakeholders are heard and respected.

“I take this opportunity to urge the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to redouble efforts in addressing the dire humanitarian situation and pervasive human suffering, mindful of the crisis’s consequential ramifications for the stability of not only Sudan but the Continent as a whole,” he stated.

He said it was their responsibility as Africans to demonstrate the necessary commitments and to define “African solutions to African Problems” in its truest form.

He assured them of his full commitment to Sudan’s peaceful transition through a Sudan-owned political dialogue.