By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Government strongly condemned the deadly attacks carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the city of El Fasher, located in the country’s western region.
This comes after Sudan on Sunday condemned the “international silence” over deadly attacks.
On Saturday, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry reported that drone strikes by the RSF killed 57 civilians at a temporary shelter in El Fasher. So far, the RSF has not issued any statement regarding the drone attacks.
Violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied forces on one side and the RSF on the other, with fighting intensifying in recent days.
In a statement, South Africa expressed its solidarity with the people of Sudan, who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
“We remind all parties of their non-negotiable obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. There must be no impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, “DIRCO said.
DIRCO emphasised the urgent need to protect civilians and safeguard critical infrastructure, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the safe evacuation of civilians from active conflict zones.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola reiterated that the only sustainable solution lies in a negotiated, inclusive, and Sudanese-owned political dialogue.
“We urge regional and international actors, including the African Union, the United Nations, and IGAD, to intensify efforts to broker a ceasefire and galvanize support for a just political settlement,” Lamola said.
The conflict between the SAF and RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has killed thousands and displaced millions, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations (UN) warned that continued strikes on civilian areas may amount to war crimes.
Hunger and disease has spread across the city as residents contend with constant bombardment and dwindling food and medical supplies.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the continued killing and injuring of civilians.
“I am appalled by the RSF’s endless and wanton disregard for civilian life,” he said.
More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict across the country, and about 12 million have fled their homes.
Meanwhile Russian charter flights were used to transport the helicopters from South Africa to the Libyan rebel area at Benghazi.
Fullview understands the flight plans falsely listed Jordan as the destination, while the helicopters ended up in General Khalifa Haftar’s rebel territory in Benghazi.
Russian airline Abakan Air ( IL-76 aircraft), blacklisted by the US for supplying weapons to Wagner and Africa Corps, was involved in the operation. To evade detection, it switched off transponders or deviated from official routes.
The exports violate UN sanctions against delivering military equipment to Haftar, with no evidence that government officials inspected the cargo or prevented the transfers.