Alan Kelly
Ceist:130. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the current situation in Sudan will be discussed at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. [19337/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 April 2023
Ceisteanna (130)
Freagraí scríofa
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, is participating in a discussion on the crisis in Sudan at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 24 April.
We are seriously concerned at the situation in Sudan, as heavy fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Over 300 civilians have been killed and over 3,200 injured. There has been damage to critical infrastructure across the country, bombing of hospitals and airports, airspace closed and shortages of food. The violence is further magnifying an already severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Almost 16 million people, one third of population, were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the conflict broke out.
The Tánaiste has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and facilitation of humanitarian access. He has also condemned the shocking attack by armed elements on the residence of Irish diplomat Aidan O’Hara, the EU Ambassador to Sudan.
On 21 April, my officials met with the Ambassador of Sudan to Ireland to discuss the crisis, the need for an urgent ceasefire, and convey our concern about the safety and security of our citizens. The Irish Embassy in Nairobi, which is accredited to Sudan, is in ongoing contact with Irish citizens in Sudan, and is providing consular assistance. The Department of Foreign Affairs is engaged in intensive contingency planning for a range of scenarios in light of the deteriorating situation.
The EU is actively engaging with regional and international partners to coordinate efforts to end hostilities. The EU has strongly condemned the fighting and called on all actors to comply with international humanitarian law and implement an immediate cessation of hostilities without pre-conditions. The EU also urged third countries to refrain from fuelling the conflict.
We will continue to work with EU and international partners for an immediate end to the conflict and a return to the democratic transition in Sudan.