International Calls for Warring Parties to Take Urgent Measures to Protect Civilians in Darfur and Kordofan

International donors have urged the warring parties in Sudan to take urgent measures to protect civilians in North Darfur and Kordofan and to ensure the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid, in addition to ending the siege imposed on El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

In a joint statement, representatives of several European countries explained that hundreds of thousands of civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas have been living under a suffocating siege for more than a year. This has led to the disruption of trade routes and supply lines, the blocking of humanitarian aid, the shutdown of community kitchens due to food shortages, and a sharp increase in the prices of basic goods.

The statement noted that famine has worsened in displacement camps since August 2024, with over 60 deaths recorded last week alone due to malnutrition, amid the spread of cholera.

It also highlighted grave violations committed against civilians, including sexual violence and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Reports indicate that more than 1,500 civilians were killed in Zamzam IDP camp last April, along with dozens more in other attacks, including the recent assault on Abu Shouk camp that left at least 40 civilians dead.

The statement urged the RSF to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2736 of 2024, lift the siege on El Fasher, and allow for a humanitarian truce to enable aid delivery and the safe evacuation of civilians wishing to leave conflict areas.

It also called on the Sudanese Armed Forces to renew their commitment to the truce, permanently reopen the Adré border crossing, and facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations by lifting administrative obstacles.