The Troika comprising Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States expressed their strongest condemnation of the continued violence in Darfur, with particular concern over reports of killings based on ethnicity and widespread sexual violence perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and allied militias.
The Troika urgently called on all parties involved to immediately halt attacks and prevent further escalation of hostilities.
They emphasised the need to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable and stressed the importance of providing full access to conflict-affected areas for proper investigation of abuses and the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to survivors in dire need.
Of significant concern are reports of a military build-up near El Fasher in North Darfur and Nyala in South Darfur, which could endanger more civilians if violence erupts in these regions.
The expansion of the conflict between RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), into Darfur has resulted in immeasurable human suffering. The Troika called for accountability for any atrocities against civilians, especially Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and the targeting of humanitarian relief actors, medical personnel, and service providers. They reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.
“The SAF and the RSF must silence their guns and find a negotiated exit from the conflict they started. The security forces must relinquish their hold on power to a civilian transitional government that fulfills the Sudanese people’s aspirations for freedom, peace, and justice.”
The Troika urged the SAF and the RSF to lay down their weapons and seek a negotiated resolution to the conflict they initiated. Additionally, they called for the relinquishment of power by security forces to a civilian transitional government that upholds the aspirations of the Sudanese people for freedom, peace, and justice.