International community condemns escalating violence in Sudan

Following a drone attack on Sunday targeting a military airbase that is part of the international airport at Sudan's city of Port Sudan by Rapid Support Forces militia, global leaders and international bodies have come out to strongly condemn the escalating violence in the country.

In a communique released by the African Union shortly after the attack on Sunday, the warring parties were urged to seek an immediate ceasefire and work towards the resumption of inclusive political dialogue under African leadership.

"The African Union strongly condemns this latest attack, which represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict and a direct threat to the lives of civilians, humanitarian access, and regional stability," Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the African Union Commission said.

He added, "Port Sudan has played a critical role as a logistical and humanitarian hub amid the current conflict. Any aggression targeting it not only threatens the safety of innocent people but also undermines ongoing efforts to stabilize the country".

Other countries that have condemned the attack include Djibouti, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran and Egypt, which said targeting infrastructure harmed stability efforts and aid access.

"Egypt stresses the need to preserve the resources of the brotherly Sudanese people, refrain from targeting infrastructure and various civilian facilities, and preserve the unity and stability of brotherly Sudan," Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

According to China Global Television Network, Sudan's Civil Aviation Authority temporarily suspended flights at Port Sudan Airport following the attack on the nearby military air base. Five domestic flights scheduled for Sunday were also cancelled.

While addressing the media, Nabil Abdallah, spokesman of the Sudanese Armed Forces, said no casualties were reported following the drone strike, which marked the first time that attacks by the Rapid Support Forces militia have reached the city of Port Sudan since the war broke out two years ago.

"Our ground defenses successfully intercepted several drones, though some managed to cause limited damage, including those targeting an ammunition depot at Osman Digna Airbase that triggered scattered explosions. Fortunately, there were no casualties among personnel," Nabil said.

On Saturday, the Sudanese National Commission for Human Rights announced that at least 300 civilians, including 21 children and 15 women, were killed in an attack carried out by the Rapid Support Forces in the city of Al-Nahud in the country's West Kordofan state. According to the commission, the militia also looted medical supplies, local markets, and the Al-Nahud Hospital. This came after the militia forces claimed to have seized the town from government forces on Friday.

The attack on Port Sudan is seen as significant since the city has served as the country's interim capital, housing the government and diplomatic missions, while its international airport has been the main hub for flights to and from the country since May 2023.

The Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia got embroiled in a devastating conflict since mid-April of 2023. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people both inside and outside the country.