Nigeria and South Africa have expressed grave concern at the on-going conflict in Sudan which has resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives, exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, displaced millions of people, affected women and children, and led to the total destruction of critical infrastructure.

The two countries gave their concerned in a joint statement issued by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,
Mr. Ronald Lamola, after a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing African Union Executive Council in Accra.

The two Ministers reaffirmed the existing strong historical bilateral relations and bonds of friendship and solidarity between their countries and committed to redouble their efforts to expand and deepen cooperation between them in various sectors.

In this regard, the Ministers undertook to finalise preparations for the upcoming session of the Bi-National commission, which is scheduled to take place in South Africa.

The Ministers further exchanged views on regional and continental matters including peace and security on the African continent. expressing grave concern at the on-going conflict in Sudan.

The Ministers reiterated a call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the conflict and the commencement of a process to expedite access to humanitarian assistance.

To this end, both nations call on the international community to take urgent concrete and practical steps that will facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan in an inclusive manner