The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers and the European Union’s foreign policy chief have called for an immediate halt to attacks in Sudan’s city of El-Obeid, warning that continued violence could lead to further atrocities and place civilians at even greater risk.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the G7 urged Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied armed groups to stop all actions that could endanger civilians or escalate the humanitarian crisis in El-Obeid.
The ministers also called on all parties to the conflict, including the Sudanese army, to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need and engage in good-faith negotiations.
Backing United Nations efforts to de-escalate the conflict, the G7 and the EU called on the UN Security Council to expand the existing arms embargo on Darfur to cover all of Sudan.
The statement also urged external actors to end military and financial support for the warring sides, arguing that outside backing risks prolonging the conflict.
In addition, the G7 pledged to promote accountability for violations committed during the conflict while reaffirming its support for Sudan’s unity and its democratic aspirations.
