The African Union welcomes Sudan’s gesture of peace

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has welcomed the announcement of a unilateral cessation of hostilities by the President of Sudan, Omar al- Bashir, in the Blue Nile and the South Kordofan States for a period of 4 months, starting from Saturday 18 June 2016.

“The Chairperson welcomes this development and believes that, against the backdrop of a similar gesture made by the armed opposition group for a cessation of hostilities for a period of six months, in April 2016, this truce, if respected by both sides, will not only ease the suffering of the populations in the conflict areas but will also create a conducive environment for advancing the peace process in Sudan,” an AU press release read.

The AU Chairperson has since appealed to rebel movements in the Two Areas and Darfur to take this opportunity to join the Roadmap process facilitated by the AU.

The Chairperson further reiterated the continued support of the African Union to Sudanese stakeholders and expressed hope that the various Sudan peace processes would be successfully brought to a close sooner than later.

(Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va)