Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said he is "gravely concerned" over reports that 14 people were killed and more than a hundred were injured in Sudan, as pro-democracy activists continue to protest a recent military coup.
The attacks by Sudanese security forces in response to anti-coup protesters included "credible reports of attacks on medical personnel and facilities, and on those seeking treatment for the wounded”, Mr Coveney said.
At least 14 men and women were killed by security forces during protests on Wednesday, the most fatalities in a day since the military seized power in the country on October 25th.
In a statement on Friday, Mr Coveney said the recent fatalities “come on top of violence and attacks at the weekend”, with Mr Coveney describing the attacks as “unacceptable acts”.
The violence in recent days is the latest flashpoint in an increasingly volatile situation in the country, after Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan derailed Sudan’s transition towards civilian rule.
Mr Coveney said the violations of respect for the provision of medical care was “particularly heinous”.
Since the military coup in late October Mr Coveney said “the people of Sudan have consistently and peacefully declared that legitimacy cannot come from the barrel of a gun”.
Mr Coveney called for those behind the coup to “halt the violence” and release civil leaders and political detainees.
“Credible discussions can then commence on a way forward which honours the demands of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace and justice and puts the country on a new path to democracy,” he said.
“The reckless and unlawful actions of the coup leaders cannot be permitted to hold hostage the aspirations and safety of the people of Sudan,” Mr Coveney said.
Ireland would consider "what further measures might be taken" at European Union or UN Security Council level to "reset the path to democratic transition, and to maintain peace and security" in the country, he said.
