The U.S. State Department indicated today, Sunday, that Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee will travel to Addis Ababa tomorrow, Monday, for a two-day visit. During her visit, she will meet with African leaders and Sudanese civilians to discuss how to end the conflict in Sudan. The State Department urged the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces to cease fighting immediately, return to their barracks, and adhere to their commitments under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, allowing unhindered access for humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs of civilians.
The department noted that during her visit, the assistant secretary would meet with Sudanese civilians and senior representatives from governments in the region, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for East African countries, and the African Union Commission. Residents reported clashes today, Sunday, between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in El Obeid, southwest of Khartoum, as well as further south of the capital.
Diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have proven ineffective so far, with various initiatives leading to confusion over how to persuade both sides to negotiate. Egypt has announced it will host a summit for the neighboring countries of Sudan next Thursday to discuss ways to end the ongoing conflict that has lasted for 12 weeks between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.
