The European Union strongly condemned on Wednesday the ongoing fighting in Sudan, as well as the continued refusal of the parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful solution.
"A lasting ceasefire must be brokered without delay to guarantee the protection of the people of Sudan, whose safety, security and unity continues to be endangered, and to allow space for mediation and an inclusive political dialogue to take place, said EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a statement on behalf of the 27-member bloc.
The EU called on all actors to allow and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and to ensure safe, timely and unhindered access for humanitarian operations by all stakeholders.
With 256.4 million euro (USD 278 million) committed in 2023 for humanitarian and development assistance to Sudan, the EU reaffirmed its steadfast support for and solidarity with, the people of Sudan.
The EU expressed "particular concern" about the reports of large-scale attacks on civilians and civilian areas, including on the basis of ethnicity, in particular in Darfur.
The statement said the EU will continue to support collective regional and international coordinated mediation efforts under the leadership of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to urgently restore peace and contribute to stability and the restoration of the political process.
The 27-member bloc called on all external actors to play a constructive role in any mediation process.
"Any external interference which contributes to the prolongation of the ongoing conflict will further exacerbate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in the country and undermine regional stability," it warned.
In order to halt the cycle of impunity, those responsible for atrocities must be identified and held to account. To that end, the EU said it is supporting the gathering of evidence on gross human rights violations.
The EU stands ready to consider the use of all means at its disposal, including sanctions , to contribute to putting an end to the conflict and encourage peace, it added.
Source: Kuwait News Agency