Buhari calls for ceasefire in Sudan

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has called for a cease-fire in Sudan following the fight that broke out in the country’s capital, Khartoum, between the military and para-military.

Speaking on Sunday during a visit to him in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, by the transitional president of Chad, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, Buhari described the fight between the Rapid Support Forces as unwelcome.

In a statement issued by the presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari also described the fighting that claimed tens of lives as unfortunate.

The two leaders reviewed the unfortunate situation and called on all neighbouring countries and the international community to prevail on the warring sides to stop fighting and negotiate.

Buhari acknowledged that the situation in Sudan is unfortunate, adding that Sudan deserved peace after all it had gone through.

Buhari commended the Chadian leader for his “efforts to see a calming down, and for them to live peacefully. But you have to keep trying.”

Deby-Itno told Buhari that the situation in Sudan has become worrisome.

“Unfortunately, if not arrested, it will have serious repercussions on neighbouring countries,” Deby-Itno said, according to Channels TV.

As for the steps his country took in response to the crisis, Deby-Itno said, “We have closed our borders to Sudan and reinforced our security.

“I have spoken to the leaders of both factions. If everyone tries, it will calm down the situation. African leaders, especially the elders (President Buhari), Macky Sall (Senegal) and AU Chairperson Azali Assoumani (Comoros) need to step in. For two days, they have been killing themselves.”

The Chadian leader wished Buhari a successful Umrah and all the best as he prepared to leave office.