EU cautions regional countries against fueling conflict in Sudan
November 27, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The European Union (EU) has cautioned all third parties, notably nations in the region, to refrain from directly or indirectly fueling the conflict in Sudan.
The warning is contained in the EU’s High Representative’s statement on the situation in Sudan.
“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,” it reads in part.
The EU and its member states further reiterated their strong condemnation of the continuous fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their respective affiliated militias, saying the 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,” it explained.
It urged all parties to silence their guns and end hostilities immediately without pre-conditions.
Within Sudan, 4.5 million people have reportedly been internally displaced since mid-April while a further 1.2 million, mostly women and girls, fled to neighbouring countries, including Chad.
The EU expressed concerns over the 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, according to the statement extended to Sudan Tribune Tuesday, 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,” stressed the statement.
The EU said it is concerned by reports on mass violence against civilians and ethnic cleansing.
It called on all actors to halt attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities and humanitarian warehouses and other objects used for humanitarian relief operations.
Reiterating the importance of accountability for perpetrators of crimes, the EU stressed the need for the adoption 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.
Nearly 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian assistance, aid agencies say.
(ST)