International donors demand humanitarian pause for besieged Sudan’s El Fasher
August 19, 2025 (BRUSSELS) – A coalition of more than 30 international donors, including the European Union, Britain, and Canada, on Tuesday demanded an immediate humanitarian pause in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fasher, warning of a deepening famine and horrific violence against hundreds of thousands of trapped civilians.
In a joint statement, the group detailed a catastrophic situation in the North Darfur capital, where civilians are encircled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The donors said all trade routes have been severed, pushing food prices to unaffordable levels and forcing aid-dependent communal kitchens to shut down.
“People are starving as a result,” the statement said, noting that famine confirmed in nearby displacement camps in August 2024 has since spread and is expected to worsen. “Over 60 people have already reportedly died from malnutrition during the past week.”
The coalition, which also includes Japan, Spain, Norway, France and Germany, described “horrific violations” since the Sudan conflict began in April 2023, including alarming rates of sexual violence.
The statement cited reports of large-scale violations of international humanitarian law by the RSF, including the alleged killing of over 1,500 civilians in the Zamzam displacement camp in April 2025. It also mentioned a recent attack on the Abu Shouk camp that killed at least 40 civilians and reports of people being killed as they attempt to flee El Fasher.
“This cannot continue,” the donors declared.
The group specifically called on the RSF to halt its siege, in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2736, and grant a pause to allow for “rapid, safe and unconditional humanitarian access” and the voluntary, safe passage of civilians.
They also urged the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to agree to the pause, facilitate the work of aid agencies, and permanently open the Adré border crossing to allow relief convoys to enter the country.
Both warring parties were reminded of their commitments under the May 2023 Jeddah Declaration to respect international humanitarian law.
The statement noted that similar famine-like conditions and attacks persist in other areas of Sudan, particularly in the Kordofan states.
Signatories included EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, British Minister for Africa Lord Collins, Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai, and senior ministers and officials from 29 other nations.