BRUSSELS, Oct 28 (KUNA) -- The European Union condemned on Wednesday what it described as the "brutality of the Rapid Support Forces"(RSF) following their seizure of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, stressing that this development marks a dangerous turning point in the ongoing conflict in Sudan and warns of a further deterioration of the country's already dire humanitarian crisis.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said in a statement on behalf of the Union that the targeting of civilians based on their ethnicity "reflects the brutality of the Rapid Support Forces," stressing the urgent need to halt the escalation, comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2736, uphold international humanitarian law, and honour the commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration.
The statement added that the RSF bear responsibility for protecting civilians in the areas under their control, including aid workers, local responders, and journalists. It also called for immediate, safe, and unconditional access for humanitarian organisations to reach all those in need, and to allow civilians wishing to leave the city to do so safely.
It noted that the EU, as one of Sudan's largest humanitarian donors, continues to fund vital relief efforts and remains ready to support negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire. The EU maintains ongoing contact with the parties to the conflict and international partners to urge them to return to the negotiating table.
The EU also reaffirmed its support for international efforts to ensure accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed, stressing that justice is an essential component of any sustainable peace process. (end) arn.aa