Diplomats attacked in Sudan

The intensity of the civil conflict in the African state of Sudan has stepped up after representatives of the European Union and United States embassy were both caught up in violent incidents.

Over the weekend, the EU's representative in the country, Irish diplomat Aidan O'Hara, was assaulted at his home in the capital, Khartoum, and later what was described as clearly marked US embassy vehicles were caught up in an attack, as the ongoing violence continued for a fourth day.

Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin called the Khartoum attack a "gross violation of the Vienna convention" and urged a cessation to the violence, and for talks to begin between the two sides.

"Deeply concerned at serious incident at home of the EU ambassador to Sudan," he tweeted. "Thoughts are with outstanding Irish diplomat serving EU in difficult circumstances, and his family."

The ambassador escaped serious injury, and security at his residence has been stepped up, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles saying it was the responsibility of the Sudanese authorities to provide proper protection.

"Security of diplomatic premises and staff is a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law," he said.

Speaking on a trip to Japan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that no-one had been injured in the other incident, which he described as "reckless, irresponsible and unsafe".

According to United Nations statistics, more than 185 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the outbreak of conflict between state forces and a group known as the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF.

The two groups' leaders, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and RSF chief General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, are former allies who were involved in the 2021 coup against a fledgling democratic government that was in place following the deposition of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

Following the attack on the US convoy, Blinken tweeted: "I spoke to both Sudanese Armed Forces Commander Burhan and Rapid Support Forces Commander Dagalo and underscored the urgent need for a cease-fire. Too many civilian lives have already been lost. Stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of diplomatic personnel and aid workers."

White House spokesperson John Kirby added: "This dangerous escalation jeopardizes the progress made to date in the negotiations to restore Sudan's democratic transition, and it undermines the aspirations of the Sudanese people."

Neither side has shown any sign of backing down from the current dispute, but speaking to Sky News, al-Burhan said he would be willing to talk as "every war ends at the negotiation table even if the opponent is defeated … even if there is surrender, there is still negotiation".