ADDIS ABABA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Friday expressed deep concern over the drastic change on security and political developments in Sudan which has contributed to the deterioration of the security situation in Darfur.
The 55-member pan African bloc, in a statement on Friday, stressed that the ongoing political and security challenges in Sudan have further deteriorated the security situation in Sudan's troubled region.
"The Peace and Security Council of the African Union expresses its deep concern over the drastic change on security and political developments in the Sudan which has contributed to the deterioration of the security situation in Darfur and has the potential to directly impact the achievements that have been witnessed in Darfur," an AU statement issued Friday read.
The council further "deplores the loss of innocent lives which took place in recent days in Zalingi, Darfur."
It further expressed its "deep concern over the safety of the civilians and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) staff in Darfur."
The council further reaffirmed "the imperative for the Republic of Sudan to ensure the full protection of civilians and respect for human rights and freedoms in Sudan."
The pan African bloc further "underlined that the humanitarian situation in Darfur remains a major concern, as confirmed by the recent fighting."
The Peace and Security Council called on the international community to continue supporting the population in need in Darfur.
The council "strongly urges the Republic of Sudan, the Armed Movements and the Internal Displaces Persons (IDPs), to extended cooperation to the humanitarian actors and allow them the necessary space to provide assistance to all those in need."
