The EU strongly condemned, on Wednesday 5 July, the intensification of fighting in Sudan and launched a new call for a permanent ceasefire.
“A lasting ceasefire must be brokered without delay to guarantee the protection of the people of Sudan” and “to allow space for mediation and an inclusive political dialogue to take place”, reiterated the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, in a statement issued on behalf of the EU27.
“Irrespective of the ceasefire, the EU calls on all actors to allow and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and to ensure safe, timely and unhindered access for humanitarian operations by all stakeholders”, he added.
“The EU is particularly concerned about the reports of large-scale attacks on civilians and civilian areas, including on the basis of ethnicity, in particular in Darfur” with “horrific reports of widespread sexual and gender based violence, targeted killings, forced displacement and steady weaponisation of militias”, according to Mr Borrell.
In addition to its support for international and regional mediation efforts, the EU is prepared to consider “restrictive measures, to contribute to putting an end to the conflict and encourage peace”.
According to the IOM, as of 6 July, there were 2.2 million displaced people in the country and 700,000 refugees. Some 24.7 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, with a third of them in Darfur. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)