Spain urges immediate ceasefire, calls Sudan war 'unsustainable'

Spain has added its voice to international calls for peace in Sudan, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares declaring the situation after two years of conflict "unsustainable." In a statement on social media platform X on Friday, Albares highlighted the war's devastating human cost, including mass displacement and over 150,000 deaths, and condemned "continuous and serious violations of human rights."

Focus on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

The minister pointed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) capture of El-Fasher last October as a key example of the conflict's brutality. He stressed that respect for international humanitarian law is "imperative" and called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. Spain's appeal underscores the growing international alarm over the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan, which has created one of the world's largest displacement crises.

Commitment to Aid and Support for Peace

Albares affirmed that Madrid will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese population through its Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). He also pledged Spain's support for all ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable peace. This commitment aligns with broader European Union initiatives seeking to address the conflict, though international mediation has so far failed to halt the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF.

Context of the Conflict and Regional Stakes

The war, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced approximately 13 million people. The RSF controls most of the Darfur region in western Sudan, while the army holds the capital, Khartoum, and much of the country's center, east, and south. The fragmentation of Sudan threatens wider regional instability. Türkiye, which has consistently advocated for dialogue and a peaceful resolution in Sudan, supports all international efforts that prioritize a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a political process that preserves the country's unity and sovereignty.