30 nations, EU demand immediate halt to hostilities in Sudan

Representatives from 30 nations and the European Commission have united in demanding an immediate halt to hostilities in Sudan, expressing grave concern over continued unlawful attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Kordofan and Darfur states. The joint statement, signed by 24 EU member states alongside Canada, Norway, New Zealand, the UK, Iceland, Switzerland, and European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, urged the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, and allied militias to cease fighting immediately.

Condemnation of Civilian Targeting

"We condemn the abhorrent violence against civilians, particularly women and children and all serious violations of international humanitarian law in the strongest terms," the statement declared, emphasizing that such violations "may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity." The signatories insisted on prompt and impartial investigations with accountability for those responsible. Recent UN human rights office data documented at least 57 civilian deaths between February 15-16 across four states, including an alleged SAF drone strike on Al Safiya market in North Kordofan killing 28, and another strike on a displacement camp in West Kordofan killing 26, among them 15 children.

Humanitarian Access and Protection

The statement urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law obligations, facilitating rapid, safe, and unimpeded access for food, medicine, and essential supplies. "Civilians including humanitarian personnel must be protected at all times, particularly women and girls, who remain at risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Those fleeing must be granted safe passage," the signatories affirmed. The conflict between the RSF and Sudanese army, ongoing since April 2023 following the collapse of civilian rule transition, has intensified in Darfur and Kordofan since October, with RSF forces overrunning North Darfur's capital El Fasher on October 26 after a 500-day siege, triggering mass displacement and trapping civilians with limited food access.