WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement today in the wake of fighting between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces:
“I strongly condemn the ongoing violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and urge all sides to ensure the safety of civilians and refrain from attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure. This fighting, which has already resulted in more than 180 civilian deaths and scores of injuries, must end immediately. The violence has forced over a dozen hospitals to shut down, and attacks on aid workers have led to a suspension of life-saving humanitarian operations. Critical infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, and many residents of the country’s capital are without electricity and water. Civilians across the country have been terrorized by the fighting, and reports of looting and assaults are on the rise.
“Ultimately, the only way to achieve peace and stability in Sudan is through meaningful political discussion and the return of a civilian-led transition that respects the rights and aspirations of the Sudanese people. Continued fighting risks dragging the country back into civil war and threatens the stability not only of Sudan, but the entire region.
“I urge General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces and de facto president of Sudan, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces, to immediately cease fighting, return to dialogue, and honor the wishes of the Sudanese people, who want nothing more than a democratic government and a peaceful and stable country.”
