23 Jun 2024

Botswana calls for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the restoration of constitutional order through an inclusive and transparent intra-Sudanese dialogue.

Speaking during an African Union Peace and Security Council virtual summit, Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane said Botswana was concerned about the war that continued to rage unabated in Sudan, which had resulted in a high death toll as well as a devastating humanitarian situation.

Mr Tsogwane highlighted that there was an urgent need for the warring parties, notably the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Force (RSF) to immediately ceasefire and de-escalate in order to allow for the resumption of dialogue.

He said Botswana was committed to support all efforts of the African Union Commission, particularly the Peace and Security Council, as well as the chairperson of the high-level panel on Sudan and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in their effort to find peaceful resolution to the war.

“As a country that firmly believes in dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflict, Botswana strongly encourages all stakeholders to redouble efforts and refocus on the devastating war in Sudan, which seems to be getting forgotten as the world pays more attention to conflicts in other parts of the world,” Mr Tsogwane said.

He said Botswana took pride in the previous peace talks in South Sudan, which were led by former president, Dr Festus Mogae, noting that government also sent a peace observer mission in the Darfur region of Sudan from 2005 to 2009.

The Vice President said it was important to support all efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid supplies reached the needy, including in western Darfur, EL Fasher, Khartoum and other areas of Sudan, particularly remote and rural areas of Kordofan, Blue Nile states and Merowe.

He noted that unrest in Sudan had also lead to a famine, which further compounded the humanitarian crises and caused a trickle-down effect on neighbouring countries.

He also expressed concern about influence from external actors. “This kind of interference only exacerbates and fuels the war, nullifying all the peace efforts we all desire for the people of Sudan.

I wish to emphasise that the supply of weapons to the warring parties by external forces should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” he said.

He reiterated Botswana’s solidarity with the people of Sudan and pledged support in consolidated efforts to bring lasting peace to the country. ENDS