G7, EU condemn atrocities in Sudan as war enters 3rd year

ISTANBUL

G7 countries and the EU on Tuesday condemned the ongoing war in Sudan, calling for a ceasefire as the conflict enters its third year.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the US, and the EU foreign policy chief, “unequivocally denounce the ongoing conflict, atrocities and grave human rights violations and abuses in Sudan.”

“As a direct result of the actions of the SAF (Sundanese Armed Forces) and the RSF (Rapid Support Forces), the people of Sudan, especially women and children, are enduring the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises, and continued atrocities, including widespread conflict-related sexual violence, ethnically motivated attacks and reprisal killings. These must end immediately,” they said.

Warning that famine is spreading across the country, they voiced alarm over reports that starvation is being used as a method of warfare — a tactic prohibited under international humanitarian law.

They urged both warring parties to abide by their obligations under international law and the Jeddah Declaration, including distinguishing between civilians and military targets and called for the removal of barriers to humanitarian aid and safe access through all border crossings into Sudan, including through South Sudan and Chad.

“We call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and urge both the SAF and the RSF to engage meaningfully in serious, constructive negotiations,” they underlined.

“For sustainable peace in Sudan, any resolution to the conflict must be rooted in the voices of Sudanese civilians,” the joint statement said, emphasizing the need for women, youth and civil society to play meaningful roles in peace processes.

It also reaffirmed support for Sudan’s democratic transition, stressing commitment for diplomatic efforts, including through the upcoming London Sudan Conference, to help end the crisis.

“The sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan are paramount,” the statement said.

Since April 15, 2023, the paramilitary RSF has been battling the army for control of the country, resulting in thousands of deaths and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

More than 20,000 people have been killed and 15 million displaced, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US scholars, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.

In recent weeks, the RSF has lost significant territory across Sudan to the army.