LUSAKA, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Tuesday expressed concern over the ongoing conflict between two warring factions in Sudan which has triggered a devastating humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called on both parties to ensure that the lives of civilians are protected at all times.
"Zambia supports diplomatic efforts under the auspices of the African Union (AU) high level panel for Sudan, which has been committed to working with the people of Sudan to end the fighting and achieve lasting peace in Sudan," the ministry said.
It noted that Zambia remains open to supporting all efforts by the international community for lasting peace in Sudan.
According to the statement, Zambia is aligning itself with the AU which has called on all parties to respect all diplomatic missions, their personnel and their property in line with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations that guarantees the protection of diplomatic missions.
The conflict that began in April 2023 stemmed from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces.
Data from the UN Refugee Agency showed that nearly three million refugees and returnees have fled Sudan over the course of 18 months of fighting, seeking safety in neighboring countries and beyond. ■