The European Union (EU) and its Member States reiterate their strong condemnation of the continuous fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and their respective affiliated militias. This conflict fundamentally threatens the safety and security of the people of Sudan as well as the unity and stability of the country and the region. As long as the warring parties continue to fight, the whole of Sudan faces further division and fragmentation, putting at stake its territorial integrity and national sovereignty. We appeal to all parties to silence their guns and end hostilities immediately without pre-conditions.
The EU deplores the dramatic escalation of violence and the irreparable cost to human life in Darfur and throughout the country, as well as violations of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. Under International Humanitarian Law the warring parties have responsibility to protect civilians, including women and girls. The EU is appalled by the numerous reports of sexual and gender-based violence, including abductions and detention in slave-like conditions, as well as serious violations and abuses of human rights including children's rights. The EU is deeply concerned by the reports on mass violence against civilians and ethnic cleansing. The EU calls on all actors to halt attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities and humanitarian warehouses and other objects used for humanitarian relief operations. Unrestricted, timely and safe humanitarian access across Sudan, particularly in conflict areas, must be guaranteed by all parties to the conflict.
The EU recalls the paramount importance of accountability for all perpetrators of crimes and will spare no effort with international partners on monitoring and documenting human rights’ violations and abuses. The EU fully supports the work of the United Nations (UN), including through the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and reiterates the vital importance of the mandates of the Designated independent Expert in Sudan as well as the UN Human Rights Council’ independent international Fact-Finding Mission on human rights violations and abuses in the country. In this regard, the EU regrets Sudan's request to terminate the mandate of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and calls on Sudan to continue its cooperation with the UN. In this context, the EU welcomes the designation of Mr. Ramtane Lamamra as the personal envoy for Sudan by the UN Secretary-General. The EU supports the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor’s efforts in investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur in connection with current hostilities.
The EU welcomes strong and concerted efforts of dialogue and result-oriented mediation to end the current conflict and facilitate, with the involvement of civilian actors, a return to the path of democracy. The EU underlines the importance of aligning different mediation efforts, focusing on coherence and avoiding duplication or competition. The EU stands ready to continue its diplomatic engagement aiming to support and facilitate dialogue with the UN, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and to assist in finding peaceful solutions that respect the aspirations of the Sudanese people and contribute to regional stability. The EU strongly commends the efforts deployed by the AU, IGAD, the neighbouring countries, as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America in order to put an end to the fighting. Any external support being provided to one or the other of the warring parties will not contribute to the resolution of the conflict and to the stability of the region. We call upon all third parties, notably countries in the region, to refrain from fuelling the Sudanese conflict directly or indirectly.
The EU recalls the adoption of its new regime of restrictive measures designed to discourage individuals and entities from engaging in activities that threaten the peace, security or stability of Sudan, and from obstructing the swift resumption of the democratic political transition in the country. This specifically includes the possibility to designate those involved in planning, directing or committing acts in Sudan that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses or violations of international humanitarian law, in addition to those who obstruct the delivery of or access to humanitarian assistance, including attacks on health and humanitarian workers.
The EU expresses deep concern regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan and in the neighbouring countries. With close to 25 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and over seven million internally displaced, the EU is scaling up its emergency response. As a long-term partner of Sudan, the EU remains in solidarity with the Sudanese people and the countries of the region. The EU and its Member States have pledged to contribute to the humanitarian response by mobilising 500 million euros, which represents a third of the total international response. The EU has also supported two Humanitarian Air Bridge (HAB) operations to Chad and Sudan for a total of thirteen flights delivering 600 tonnes of humanitarian cargo since the beginning of the conflict. Yet, insecurity, bureaucratic and administrative impediments are still severely hindering the humanitarian response.
The EU reaffirms its steadfast support and solidarity with the people of Sudan. We particularly salute the work and leadership of Sudanese civic forces who are continuing to organise, both inside and outside the country, to provide vital protection and assistance to conflict-affected populations. With numerous consultations organized with civilians and political parties in Brussels and elsewhere, the EU is contributing to these efforts and remains ready to make greater commitment. We pledge our support to this essential work, and to the ongoing efforts of Sudanese civilians to find a way forward towards ending the war.
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Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 2 295 45 53
+32 460 75 45 53
@ExtSpoxEU
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