South Africa Condemns Escalating Violence in Sudan, Urges Immediate Peace Talks
Evident Makatwane 
30 August 2025 – South Africa has expressed deep concern over the worsening conflict in Sudan, where clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have continued to devastate civilian life, infrastructure, and stability in the region.
In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), government spokesperson Chrispin Phiri highlighted that the war, ongoing since 15 April 2023, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions both internally and across borders.
Latest Atrocity in North Darfur
The most recent tragedy unfolded in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur, which has been under siege for more than 500 days. According to humanitarian reports, heavy artillery fire targeted densely populated areas, including the central market and residential neighbourhoods such as Awlad al-Reef. At least 24 civilians were killed and 55 wounded, among them women and children.
“This brutal attack is yet another example of the many atrocities that civilians in Sudan have had to endure,” DIRCO noted.
South Africa’s Call for Peace
South Africa reaffirmed its solidarity with the Sudanese people, particularly women and children, who are bearing the brunt of the conflict. The government reiterated that there is no military solution to the war, and urged both sides to return to the negotiation table.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has engaged the warring parties in previous diplomatic efforts, continues to push for “a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue” as the only viable path to peace.
“South Africa calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, allow safe passage for humanitarian aid, and end indiscriminate attacks on civilians,” the statement read.
Regional and Global Implications
Analysts warn that Sudan’s war is not only a national tragedy but also a regional crisis. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that over 10 million people have been displaced, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Spillover effects include worsening food insecurity, cross-border refugee flows, and the destabilisation of neighbouring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
South Africa emphasised the importance of multilateral diplomacy, voicing strong support for the mediation efforts of Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan, as well as the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
A Call for Urgent Action
Despite repeated international mediation attempts, peace remains elusive. The Sudan conflict has already been described by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International as a humanitarian catastrophe marked by indiscriminate shelling, targeted ethnic violence, and widespread human rights abuses.
DIRCO’s statement underlined that “the work of international and regional bodies must continue ceaselessly” until a peaceful resolution is reached.
“South Africa once again pledges its full support to efforts aimed at ensuring that the people of Sudan can enjoy sustainable peace and freedom in this lifetime,” the statement concluded.
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