G7: The Sudanese Army Must Stop Military Escalation

SadaNews - The foreign ministers of the G7 countries expressed a strong criticism of the Sudanese Armed Forces, demanding that they stop their repeated refusal of the mediators' proposals to de-escalate military tensions, in a move that reflects the increasing international pressure on the Sudanese army.

They also called on the Rapid Support Forces to fulfill their commitments regarding the protection of civilians, facilitating humanitarian access, and avoiding the use of or targeting civilian facilities.

This came in a statement issued by the group as fighting escalated around the city of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state.

The G7 includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, with the European Union participating permanently in its meetings. The group is considered one of the most prominent political and economic blocs in the world, and its statements and positions carry significant weight in international issues, including armed conflicts, sanctions, and security policies.

The group urged the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and allied armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and engage in direct negotiations in good faith, paving the way for a humanitarian ceasefire followed by a permanent ceasefire and the launch of an inclusive political process led by civilians.

The statement expressed grave concern over reports of serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Kordofan, Darfur, and the Blue Nile state, calling on the Rapid Support Forces and their allied groups to immediately stop any actions that endanger civilians in El Obeid, including drone attacks and obstructing humanitarian access.

It also emphasized the necessity for all parties in the conflict to commit to protecting civilians, ensuring safe and voluntary passage, and facilitating rapid and unhindered humanitarian relief access to El Obeid and other parts of Sudan.

The G7 foreign ministers reaffirmed their support for the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General's personal envoy to Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, aimed at de-escalating tensions in El Obeid, as well as their backing for the initiatives led by the Quad and Quint groups to reach a humanitarian ceasefire that leads to a permanent ceasefire and independent, comprehensive, and transparent political dialogue led by civilians.

On another note, the group reiterated its commitment to holding accountable those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and called on all external parties to cease any military, logistical, or financial support to the warring parties, while also urging the UN Security Council to expand the arms embargo imposed on the Darfur region to cover all of Sudan.

The statement concluded by affirming the G7’s support for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, rejecting any unilateral actions that would lead to the division of the country, while emphasizing support for the aspirations of the Sudanese people toward a civilian-led political transition.