President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) has called for a cease‑fire in Sudan after fighting erupted in the capital, Khartoum, between the regular military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Speaking on Sunday during a visit to him in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, by Chad’s transitional president, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, Buhari described the clash as unwelcome and the resulting deaths as tragic.
In a statement issued by the presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari reiterated that the violence, which has claimed tens of lives, is unfortunate and urged all neighboring countries and the international community to pressure the warring sides to stop fighting and negotiate. He emphasized that Sudan deserves peace after the hardships it has endured and praised the Chadian leader for his efforts to calm the situation, adding, “But you have to keep trying.”
Déby‑Itno told Buhari that the situation in Sudan is increasingly worrisome and warned that, if left unchecked, it could have serious repercussions for neighboring states. In response, Chad has closed its borders to Sudan and reinforced its security. Déby‑Itno said he has spoken to the leaders of both factions and believes that collective effort can de‑escalate the crisis. He called on African leaders—particularly President Buhari, Senegal’s Macky Sall, and AU Chairperson Azali Assoumani of Comoros—to intervene, noting that the fighting has persisted for two days.
The Chadian president concluded by wishing Buhari a successful Umrah and all the best as he prepares to leave office.
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