The European Union on Sunday condemned in the strongest possible terms the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher in southwestern Sudan, instigated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The EU then expressed its readiness to consider additional sanctions, including against those in positions of leadership.
Peter Stano, Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urged in a statement both, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and SAF leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to meet at the negotiating table to find a peaceful solution to this conflict.
“The EU recalls the obligations contained in the United Nations Security Council resolution 2736 demanding that the RSF halt the siege and de-escalate fighting in El Fasher immediately,” Stano said in the statement.
“We also call again on those who are fueling the war, particularly regional and international sponsors, to cease their support in this context,” he added.
The EU also affirmed that it will not bear witness to another genocide and will continue to work with international accountability mechanisms to hold perpetrators to account for the gross human rights violations they have committed and continue to commit.
It noted that thousands of innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire of both belligerent parties, particularly those trapped in Zamzam camp, the largest camp for internally displaced people in Sudan.
“Belligerent parties, their affiliated militias and their regional supporters must adhere to international humanitarian law, by protecting civilians from conflict, provide unhindered humanitarian access and allow civilians to move in and out of Zamzam camp,” Stano said.
Minni Arko Minawi, the Governor of Darfur and leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), wrote on X that it was the first time the European Union issued a statement of condemnation using such “strong language.”
“Nevertheless,” he added, “We demand the Union to take further steps to criminalize the RSF as a terrorist organization and hold it accountable for its crimes.”
For the second week, a sharp escalation in fighting is witnessed in Sudan's El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
In June, the EU imposed sanctions on six people in Sudan responsible for “supporting activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.”
The list included former Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Ahmed Karti Mohamed.
