An Irishman who is the EU ambassador to Sudan in Africa has been attacked at his home by a group of men, as civil unrest continues in the country leaving hundreds dead.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has condemned the attack on 58-year-old Aidan O'Hara, who was assaulted by the men at his residence in Khartoum on Monday.
The Tánaiste described the attack as a "a gross violation of the Vienna Convention" and called for an "urgent cessation of violence" in Sudan and dialogue to be established.
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Sudan, one of the poorest countries in the world, is located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and has been experiencing unrest and heavy clashes between its army and a paramilitary group.
Several days of fighting for control in the capital Khartoum, has led to nearly 200 deaths, including many civilians, after attempts to instil a civilian-led democratic government failed, and military factions continue to fight it out.
It was also reported that a US convoy of diplomats came under fire in the country on Monday, however nobody was hurt, US Secretary of State Antony Blinked said.
It is understood that Mr O'Hara, who previously served as Irish Ambassador to Ethiopia for a decade before assuming his current position with the EU, was not seriously hurt.
Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the EU Commission also said the attack on Mr O'Hara 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," he highlighted, following the attack.
It is understood that security has been ramped up at the ambassador's residence in the capital, however a call is still being made on whether diplomats should be pulled from the city as air strikes, shelling and gunfire continues.
The Tánaiste added: "Thoughts are with outstanding Irish diplomat serving EU in difficult circumstances, and his family."
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