An Irish EU ambassador has been attacked in his home in Sudan.
EU Ambassador to Sudan Aidan O’Hara was assaulted by a group of men at his residence in the capital city of Khartoum yesterday.
The 58-year-old was not seriously hurt.
Deeply concerned at serious incident at home of the EU Ambassador to Sudan. A gross violation of the Vienna Convention.
Thoughts are with outstanding Irish diplomat serving EU in difficult circumstances, and his family. Call for urgent cessation of violence in Sudan & dialogue.— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 17, 2023
The Tánaiste Micheál Martin said described the attack as a “gross violation of the Vienna convention”.
“Deeply concerned at serious incident at home of the EU Ambassador to Sudan,” he said.
“Thoughts are with outstanding Irish diplomat serving EU in difficult circumstances, and his family.”
He called for an “urgent cessation” to the violence in Sudan and for dialogue to begin.
A few hours ago, the EU Ambassador in #Sudan was assaulted in his own residency.
This constitues 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.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) April 17, 2023
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles condemned the assault on Twitter last night.
A few hours ago, the EU Ambassador in Sudan was assaulted in his own residency,” he wrote.
“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.”
The EU delegation has not been evacuated following the incident; however, security at the ambassador’s residence is being assessed.
Sudan
Around 185 people have been killed and more than 1,800 injured since fighting broke out in Sudan three days ago, according to the UN.
The fighting involves the army and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Civilians have been sheltering in their homes and the city of Khartoum has seen air strikes, shelling and heavy small-arms fire.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has been in contact with Mr. O'Hara.
Mr O’Hara was appointed as the EU Ambassador to Sudan last year.
