EU condemns El Fasher violence, demands unhindered aid access

May 13, 2024 (BRUSSELS) – The European Union has strongly condemned the recent escalation of fighting in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, which has caused a further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis and endangered civilians.

In a joint statement, EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič expressed grave concern about the situation.

“The indiscriminate attacks from both sides, including on the Babiker Nahar Paediatric Hospital, are unacceptable,” the statement declared. “We are particularly alarmed by the lack of medical supplies and medicines at Al Fasher South Hospital, the only functioning hospital in the entire state.”

The statement highlighted the ongoing obstruction of aid delivery, with over 800,000 civilians trapped in El Fasher denied essential assistance since April 2023.

“We remind all parties of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians,” the EU representatives emphasized. “Denying access to food, healthcare, and humanitarian aid is a clear violation of international law, and may constitute war crimes.”

The EU demanded immediate, unconditional, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid across Sudan. They pointed out that only 39 aid trucks have reached El Fasher so far in 2024, severely limiting assistance to civilians in desperate need.

“We urge an immediate end to the armed conflict and a de-escalation of hostilities surrounding El Fasher,” the statement concluded. “The EU remains committed to holding accountable those who commit atrocities, obstruct aid delivery, or fail to protect civilians. We will continue to use all available measures, including targeted sanctions, to stop the culture of impunity and push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”