President Muhammadu Buhari says the battle that erupted in the Sudanese capital between the military and powerful paramilitary, Rapid Support Forces, RSF, is unwelcome.

In a statement, Garba Shehu, the president’s media aide, said Mr Buhari stated this when the transitional president of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby-Itno, visited him in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday.

The Nigerian leader described the fighting that claimed tens of lives as unfortunate.

The presidential aide revealed that the two leaders reviewed the unfortunate situation and called on all neighbouring countries and the international community to prevail on the warring sides to stop fighting and negotiate.

“The situation in Sudan is unfortunate,” Mr Buhari maintained. He added that Sudan deserved peace after all that it had gone through in the past.

Mr Buhari commended the Chadian leader for his “efforts to see a calming down, and for them to live peacefully. But you have to keep trying”.

Mr Deby-Itno told the Nigerian president that the situation in Sudan was worrisome.

“Unfortunately, if not arrested, it will have serious repercussions on neighbouring countries,” he further stated.

On the steps his country took in response to the crisis, Mr Deby-Itno said, “We have closed our borders to Sudan and reinforced our security. I have spoken to the leaders of both factions. If everyone tries, it will calm down the situation. African leaders, especially the elders (Mr Buhari), Macky Sall (Senegal) and AU chairperson Azali Assoumani (Comoros), need to step in. For two days, they have been killing themselves.”

The Chadian leader wished Mr Buhari a successful Umrah and “all the best as you prepare to leave office.” 

(NAN)