Statement from the Embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union in Sudan

As the fighting proceeds through its fifth day, people across Sudan continue sheltering in place, fearing for their lives, and running low on fuel, food, medicine, and water. Military operations have resulted in significant civilian deaths and injuries and are recklessly endangering the Sudanese people, diplomats, and humanitarian aid workers. The toll has been high, with initial estimated civilian deaths of more than 270. Access to hospitals and vital medical services have been severely disrupted. Much of this fighting has occurred in urban areas, including Khartoum.

Sudan’s military leaders must engage in dialogue without delay. Their actions across Sudan have placed countless people at risk and set back the Sudanese people’s rightful call for a peaceful democratic transition.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and the region who have made clear calls for the opposing forces to end hostilities immediately. We urge all forces to avoid further escalations, cease fire, halt the movement of forces, suspend resupply, refueling, and rearming actions, and initiate talks to resolve outstanding issues.

We specifically call on the fighting parties to strictly observe their obligations under international law to protect civilians, diplomats, and humanitarian actors. We implore the RSF and SAF to respect the rights of civilians enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and international human rights conventions ratified by Sudan and customary international law: to refrain from unlawfully evicting people from their homes; spare civilian infrastructure and facilities; and facilitate civilians’ procurement of essential supplies and urgent access to medical care for the sick and wounded. The inability of humanitarians to safely operate impacts millions of already vulnerable Sudanese, now including those displaced by the ongoing fighting.

We emphasize that comprehensive and lasting settlement of the differences between the SAF and the RSF is an urgent priority which can be achieved only by peaceful political dialogue, and within the context of national efforts to address the challenges that Sudan faces pursuant to a political process. We continue to stand with the Sudanese people in their calls for a peaceful, just, and free future for Sudan.