The European Union (EU) is seriously alarmed by the situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan. A major military build-up by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) threatens the city which currently shelters 500,000 civilians, including approximately 100,000 displaced persons.
The RSF must immediately cease all military operations in and around El Obeid that put civilians at risks. El Obeid cannot become another El Fasher.
International humanitarian and human rights laws, including the protection of civilians in particular women and girls and civilian infrastructure, must be fully respected by all parties to the conflict.
Any attack that targets the civilian population, prevents their safe passage or any action that intentionally obstructs humanitarian access to persons in need constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law and will lead the EU to consider robust measures against those responsible.
The EU urges all foreign actors in line with their commitments in the Berlin principles to immediately end any direct or indirect support which enables and intensifies the conflict to continue.
The EU calls on all parties to the conflict to return to negotiations for a lasting ceasefire, to ensure rapid, safe, unimpeded, principled and sustained humanitarian access, to support a Sudanese-led civilian political process leading to the restoration of civilian governance, and to restore and to uphold accountability and respect for international law.
As a member of the Quintet, the EU reaffirms its commitment to the Sudanese people and will continue to support efforts to end the suffering, to promote justice and accountability, and restore peace in a Sudanese-led transition to civilian rule.