Sudanese actress Asia Abdelmajid killed in crossfire in Khartoum
80-year-old was country's first professional stage star
I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Asia Abdelmajid, a renowned Sudanese actress who was killed in crossfire during clashes in the suburb of Bahri in the north of the capital Khartoum. It is tragic that such a talented and respected figure in Sudan's cultural scene has been lost in the violence that continues to plague the country.
The circumstances surrounding Abdelmajid's death are unclear, but the fact that she was killed in her own home underscores the dangers faced by ordinary Sudanese people who are caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflict. It is unacceptable that civilians are being killed or forced to flee their homes because of fighting between rival factions.
Abdelmajid's burial in the grounds of a kindergarten where she recently worked is a poignant reminder of the impact that violence is having on all aspects of life in Sudan. Her family's decision not to take her to a cemetery because of the danger is a testament to the sense of fear and uncertainty that many Sudanese people are living with.
It is crucial that all parties to the conflict in Sudan respect the ceasefire agreement and take steps to end the violence immediately. The UN chief's call for an end to the fighting must be heeded, and efforts must be made to address the root causes of the conflict and to build a sustainable peace that allows Sudanese people to live in safety and dignity.