EU ambassador to Sudan Aidan O'Hara attacked by mob at Khartoum home

The European Union’s ambassador to Sudan, Aidan O’Hara, was attacked by a group of men on Monday, as the country is plunged into fighting between two rival armed forces.

The assault took place at the Khartoum residence of O'Hara, who is an Irish national.

It comes after growing tensions between the country's military ruler, General Abdul Fattah Burhan, and his rival General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which broke out into open conflict on Saturday.

"This constitutes a gross violation of the Vienna Convention. Security of diplomatic premises and staff is a primary responsibility of Sudanese authorities and an obligation under international law," said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell.

Irish officials echoed Borrell’s condemnation, calling for an "urgent cessation of violence" in Sudan and for dialogue to be established.

Shocking to read of the attack on Irish EU Ambassador to Sudan Aidan O’Hara in his home. Security of diplomatic personnel is mandated under international law and is the responsibility of the Sudanese authorities. Sending support to Mr. O’Hara and wishing him well as he recovers.

— Lisa Chambers (@lichamber) April 18, 2023

The reasons behind the assault were unclear, but reports said O'Hara was not seriously hurt.

The fighting has so far killed at least 185 people and injured more than 1,800, UN envoy Volker Perthes said Monday.

The army agreed on a 24-hour ceasefire starting at 6pm (1600 GMT) on Tuesday.

Sudan’s ongoing political crisis worsened following the October 2021 military coup which ousted civilian Prime Minister Abdulla Hamdok's government.