RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, on Wednesday received a phone call from his French counterpart Catherine Colonna to discuss the ongoing violence in Sudan.
The two ministers emphasized the importance of halting the military escalation between the two conflicting parties and providing necessary protection to Sudanese civilians and residents.
At least 270 people have been killed and 2,600 injured in the recent violence in Sudan, which erupted in a power struggle between the army and paramilitary troops known as the Rapid Support Forces.
The fighting has pitted military leader Burhan against RSF chief General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, following tension over a plan to integrate the RSF into the regular military.
Prince Faisal and Colonna also reviewed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and France and discussed ways to enhance and develop them in different fields. They further discussed intensifying joint coordination on many issues of common concern.
The ministers stressed the need to end the violence in Sudan and ensure the security, stability, and well-being of Sudan and its people. They called on conflicting parties to halt military action and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis.
The call from the Saudi and French foreign ministers comes amid mounting international concern over the situation in Sudan.
Calls for immediate end to violence in Sudan
The United Nations and several countries have called for an immediate end to the violence and for those responsible for the attacks on civilians to be held accountable.
In response to the situation, the African Union has suspended Sudan’s membership, and the United States has condemned the violence and called for a restoration of a civilian-led government in the country.
The call between the Saudi and French foreign ministers is expected to increase pressure on the parties involved in the conflict to reach a peaceful resolution and avoid further escalation of violence.
