EU diplomat assaulted at his home in Khartoum
April 17, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Armed forces reportedly assaulted the residence of the European Union Representative in Sudan, according to a tweet posed by the EU foreign policy chief on Monday.
“A few hours ago, the EU Ambassador in Sudan was assaulted in his own residency,” said Josep Borrel in his tweet.
He further stressed that such an arrack constitutes a gross violation of the Vienna Convention.
Security of diplomatic premises and staff is a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law, he added.
Reached by Sudan Tribune, The EU mission in Khartoum declined to comment or to provide further details about the looting of Ambassador Aidan O’Hara’s house citing security reasons.
The Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have clashed for three consecutive days in the capital city, despite calls for peace by international leaders.
On Monday, the Sudanese foreign ministry issued a statement stating that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, dissolved the RSF and declared it a rebellious force against the state.
The ministry also announced new measures to safeguard the homes of foreign diplomats in Khartoum.
RSF denies
For its part, the paramilitary force, RSF, released a statement in the early hours of Tuesday, denying any involvement in the looting of the EU ambassador’s residence.
The RSF claimed that individuals wearing their uniforms attempted to infiltrate their forces and cross into areas under their control.
“The coup leaders and their allied terrorist Islamist groups (…) have carried out numerous brutal crimes against innocent people, including the unjustified attack on the premises of diplomatic missions, such as the residence of the European Union ambassador in Khartoum,” said the RSF.
In a related development, citing American sources, Al-Arabiya TV reported that RSF opened fire on an armoured vehicle belonging to the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum.
U.S. vehicle attacked
According to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a U.S. diplomatic convoy was fired upon in Khartoum on Monday.
However, no injuries were reported.
“This action was reckless, it was irresponsible and of course unsafe,” said the U.S. top during a press conference in Japan following G7 talks.
(ST)