The seizure of El Fasher, Darfur’s capital, by the Rapid Support Forces marks a dangerous turning point in the war and threatens to further worsen the already dire humanitarian situation. Civilians being targeted based on their ethnicity underscore the brutality of the Rapid Support Forces.
The EU calls on all parties to immediately de-escalate in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2736. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and uphold their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration.
The Rapid Support Forces bear responsibility for protecting civilians in areas under their control, including aid workers, local responders, and journalists. Humanitarian organisations must be granted immediate, safe and unconditional access to all those in need. Civilians wishing to leave the city must be allowed to do so safely.
As one of Sudan’s largest humanitarian donors, the EU continues to fund essential relief efforts and stands ready to support negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. The EU is in contact with the conflict parties and international partners to urge them to return to the negotiating table.
The EU also supports international efforts to ensure accountability for all those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In 2025, the EU allocated over €270 million to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its impact on neighbouring countries, making it the largest EU humanitarian funding package in Africa. The EU is also providing funding to organisations collecting evidence of war crimes as part of a broader effort to ensure accountability for those responsible.
