Embrace dialogue, Somalia urges Sudan military leaders as scores die in clashes

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has expressed "deep concerns" over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, noting that both parties which are involved in the conflict should "exercise restraint" and embrace "ceasefire" for the sake of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region.

In a statement, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has been in Ethiopia for the work-related tour, said events in Khartoum were "disturbing" not just for Sudan but also for the region at large. The Somali president called for order and sanity even as rival forces continued to fight in the capital.

Sudan, Hassan Sheikh added, should embrace dialogue in solving internal conflicts, noting that the current crisis is "completely uncalled for" especially during the month of Ramadan. The international community, he added, should chip in before it gets out of control.

"We urge all the parties involved to come together and solve their differences through peaceful and constructive dialogue and work towards a resolution that is in the best interest of the people. Any further escalation of the situation will not solve the challenges Sudan is facing especially during Ramadan," he said.

"Somalia stands with the people of Sudan during this difficult time and calls upon members of the international community to encourage warring parties to come to negotiating table and solve their differences through peaceful means and immediately end the conflict."

At least 57 people have been killed mainly in the capital Khartoum and over 170 critically injured, doctors said as Rapid Support Forces [RSF] ran riot against the Sudanese army as the two sides fought for control of strategic areas within the town for the better part of Saturday.

The heavy gunfight was heard in the streets with RSF targeting the presidential palace and the airport, even as the group claimed it had controlled over 90 percent of the city. But the Sudanese army denied the claims while accusing the paramilitary wing of provocation which it traces down to last week when RSF reportedly started leaving their bases.

The RSF is set to be integrated into the national army but the strategy has largely backfired after the government failed to tackle the matter. Also, the RSF is supporting the introduction of civilian rule after four years, even as the military stays put despite initial agreements to reinstate democratic tenets.

Massive destruction has also been reported with Somalia saying that such a trend is "dangerous" to stability in the Horn of Africa. There were claims that Egyptian soldiers were held hostage by RSF, a militia which was formerly known as Janjaweed during the nasty war within the Darfur region.

GAROWE ONLINE