The letter expresses urgent concerns for South Sudanese men in Khartoum facing life-threatening situations due to conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. It calls for the African Union’s intervention to halt the violence and facilitate safe evacuation for those affected, emphasizing the necessity of diplomatic efforts to address this humanitarian crisis.
Dear Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou, I am compelled to convey my grave concerns regarding alarming reports indicating that South Sudanese men residing in Khartoum are in significant peril. Credible sources, including family connections within Sudan, have revealed that when the Sudanese government secures control over specific regions, South Sudanese individuals are frequently targeted and executed by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), often without justification, under the false allegation of being associated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Similarly, when the RSF gains control, South Sudanese citizens again face imminent threats. The few individuals who have managed to remain in these heavily affected areas find themselves with minimal options for safety. While some have successfully fled the violent turmoil, many others, particularly those with financial resources, have escaped to safer locations. It is imperative to call upon both factions to halt the killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan through the African Union (AU). We must champion the safe evacuation of those still in Khartoum to ensure their protection from harm inflicted by the RSF or the Sudan Armed Forces. Should diplomatic discourse fail, it is crucial to urge the South Sudan representative at the United Nations General Assembly to take necessary actions in addressing this urgent matter, potentially facilitating discussions around airlifting foreign nationals who remain in Khartoum. The ongoing violence against foreign nationals, particularly South Sudanese citizens, perpetrated by military forces, must be brought to the forefront of international discussion. The situation in Khartoum is exceedingly alarming. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have been engulfed in violent conflict. Recently, the Sudanese army commenced a significant offensive aimed at regaining control of key areas in Khartoum, resulting in substantial civilian casualties and extensive destruction of vital infrastructure. This ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of millions and has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. South Sudanese individuals living in Sudan, who previously had few, if any, avenues for escape, now confront severe challenges, including life threats from both factions. Diplomatic actors must adopt proactive measures to address this urgent situation, rather than adopting a stance of passive observation. Both the Sudanese army and the RSF, along with the current government, must acknowledge that achieving stability in Sudan aligns with the best interests of South Sudan, especially considering interconnected economic ties such as oil supplies and construction materials. Attaining peace would significantly benefit South Sudan, as our citizens are suffering in various capacities due to this conflict. It is critical to underscore that South Sudanese citizens and our government maintain a position of neutrality in this war and are not aligned with either faction. The ongoing targeting of our people by both the RSF and the Sudanese army is profoundly concerning and requires immediate attention. Your engagement in this diplomatic matter could greatly assist the South Sudanese community presently in Khartoum. Best regards!
The letter addresses the ongoing violent conflict in Sudan that has escalated since April 2023, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This conflict has led to significant civilian suffering, particularly among South Sudanese citizens who find themselves targeted and facing existential threats. The author calls upon diplomatic action to protect these citizens and facilitate their safe evacuation from hostile environments in Khartoum, emphasizing the need for urgent attention from South Sudan’s diplomatic representatives.
In conclusion, this open letter highlights the dire circumstances faced by South Sudanese citizens in Khartoum amid the violent turmoil between the SAF and the RSF. It urges for immediate international intervention to protect vulnerable individuals and stresses the importance of diplomatic dialogue to avert further loss of life. Stability in Sudan is framed as vital for the well-being of South Sudan, demanding a concerted and urgent response from international and regional leaders.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
