Port Sudan, June 17 (Darfur24)
The European Union has called on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to de-escalate hostilities and move toward a comprehensive ceasefire, urging the establishment of safe zones and humanitarian corridors to facilitate the delivery of aid and protect civilians.
The appeal came as heads of European Union missions concluded their first joint visit to Sudan since the outbreak of war in April 2023.
During the visit, the diplomats met with several Sudanese officials, including Sovereignty Council Chairman and Sudanese Armed Forces Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Prime Minister Kamil Idris, and the Director of the General Intelligence Service. They also held discussions with armed movements that signed the Juba Peace Agreement.
In a statement issued at the end of the mission, the EU warned against a repetition of what it described as horrific massacres and serious human rights violations committed against civilians during the conflict.
The delegation reaffirmed the EU’s support for international peace initiatives aimed at ending the war, including efforts by the Quartet and the Quintet mechanism, which includes the African Union, the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, and the European Union.
According to the statement, the diplomats encouraged Sudanese authorities to engage constructively with these initiatives, describing them as complementary efforts that could help advance a civilian-led political process toward inclusive democratic governance.
The EU delegation also stressed the importance of combating impunity and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of serious human rights violations and abuses committed during the conflict.
The heads of mission expressed concern about the potential regional consequences of the war, warning that continued instability could fuel displacement, terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and the proliferation of armed groups across neighboring countries.
The statement said the visit reflected the EU’s solidarity with the Sudanese people amid what it described as immense suffering caused by more than three years of conflict and was intended to gain a deeper understanding of conditions on the ground.
The delegation further emphasized the importance of preserving Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. It condemned efforts to establish parallel governing structures and rejected external support that contributes to the continuation of the conflict.
“External support prolongs the war and increases the suffering of the Sudanese people,” the statement said.