In a press release issued this week, ITUC-Africa (www.ituc-africa.org), as an organisation committed to peace and stability, urged all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and seek a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation.

"The devastating impact of violent conflict on workers, women, youth and children cannot be overemphasised. These are often the most vulnerable. They bear the brunt of armed conflict. The loss of livelihoods, the destruction of property and infrastructure, displacement and trauma all add to the poverty, inequality, misery and hardship suffered by those affected. There is no doubt that these consequences of armed conflict exacerbate socio-economic fault lines, dashing hopes and undermining the confidence and stability necessary for nation-building,” said the General Secretary of ITUC Africa.
ITUC-Africa also called on the African Union (AU) and the United Nations to play a role in facilitating a peaceful solution and in overseeing the process of transition from power to civilian rule.

"We are also in favour of the establishment of a mechanism for the transition of power to a civilian government. This mechanism should be under the supervision of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). It is essential that a transparent and inclusive process is established to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power that safeguards the rights and welfare of the Sudanese people,” indicated the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa.

In Sudan, war still rages between two rival armies led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Gen. Hemedti. In the capital, more than five million people are still without electricity or running water. Since last Saturday, more than 270 civilians have been killed and nearly 3,000 injured in the clashes. After two ceasefires that collapsed in the first minute, the warring parties announced a new 24-hour ceasefire on Wednesday evening, 19 April, which has only been partially respected so far.