The European Union’s ambassador to Sudan was the victim of an attack at his home, the head of European diplomacy, Joseph Borrell, announced on Monday evening, while Khartoum remains in the grip of heavy fighting. “A few hours ago, the EU Ambassador to Sudan was attacked in his residence,” Joseph Borel tweeted.
A few hours ago, the EU ambassador #Sudan He was beaten in his own house.
This is a gross violation of the Vienna Convention. Security of diplomatic premises and staff is the primary responsibility of the Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law.
— Joseph Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) April 17, 2023
Condemning the “flagrant violation” of the Vienna Convention, he recalled that the Sudanese authorities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of diplomatic installations and diplomats in their country.
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EU representatives were not expelled
The EU ambassador, Irish Aidan O’Hara, said “OK”, EU diplomatic service spokeswoman Nabila Masraly told AFP, adding that EU representatives had not been expelled. “The safety of our employees is our priority,” he stressed.
Earlier in the day, Mr Borel called for a ceasefire in the country to “allow mediation”. “The EU is working to persuade both sides of the need for a humanitarian pause and encourage dialogue,” he added.
According to the UN, more than 185 people have been killed and 1,800 injured during the past three days of fighting. “The situation is changing a lot. It’s hard to assess in which direction the balance is shifting,” Volker Berthes, head of the UN mission in Sudan, said from Khartoum.
For weeks, the conflict between the head of the army, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, the de facto leader of the country, and his No. 2, General Mohamed Hamdan Daghlo, known as “Hemeti,” had been hidden. Fast Support (FSR) ousted the Citizens from power during the October 2021 regime.
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