We are alarmed about the deterioration of the political situation across Sudan and have temporarily suspended our work on the ground in Darfur.
Practical Action Africa Director, Akinyi Wallender, is calling for dialogue in Sudan.
Currently, all Practical Action staff are safe, but we are deeply concerned about their safety and that of our partners, aid workers and the tens of thousands of people we work with every day. Many are already traumatised by decades of instability and highly vulnerable to an escalation of violence.
Practical Action Africa director Akinyi Walender said: “I have spoken to my Sudanese colleagues today and they are extremely worried for themselves, their families and friends.
“My thoughts are with all the Sudanese people at this difficult time and I trust that they will continue to stay united.
“This crisis has the potential to undermine progress made in Sudan in recent years and there should be an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. As a show of commitment to serving the Sudanese people and saving lives, all parties must genuinely begin dialogue and end the violence.
“We have been working in Sudan for almost 50 years. We continue our commitment to working with people so they can adapt to the challenges they face, but without peace, nothing is possible. We call upon the collective international community and together with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union to step up efforts to de-escalate the situation in Sudan and restore calm for the sake of the vulnerable civilians.