Topline
A U.S. diplomatic convoy came under attack in Khartoum on Tuesday from members of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces paramilitary, which is currently locked in a violent power struggle with the country’s armed forces that threatens to spiral into a wider civil war.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a news conference at the conclusion of a G7 … [+]
Key Facts
Speaking to the press in Japan amid a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said gunmen linked to the RSF fired upon the convoy, which was flying U.S. flags and had diplomatic license plates.
All U.S. personnel traveling in the convoy were unharmed in the attack, which Blinken characterized as “reckless and irresponsible.”
Blinken said he had spoken to the leader of the RSF, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and Sudan’s military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, warning them that such attacks on American diplomats are unacceptable.
Earlier on Monday, Blinken spoke with both Burhan and Dagalo, calling for a ceasefire in hostilities to allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to people impacted by the fighting, the State Department said in a statement.
Crucial Quote
On Twitter, Blinken wrote: “I spoke to both Sudanese Armed Forces Commander Burhan & Rapid Support Forces Commander Dagalo and underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire. Too many civilian lives have already been lost. Stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of diplomatic personnel and aid workers.”
Tangent
The European Union’s ambassador in Sudan, Aidan O’Hara, was assaulted in his own home on Monday, although no details about the attackers have been made public. The EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell tweeted that the attack was a “gross violation of the Vienna Convention.” EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali told AFP that O’Hara was safe and the bloc’s diplomatic delegation has been evacuated from the area.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2023/04/18/us-diplomatic-convoy-attacked-by-gunmen-in-sudan-amid-power-struggle-between-army-and-paramilitary/