The European Union is seriously alarmed by a major military build-up by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) threatening El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which shelters 500,000 civilians including approximately 100,000 displaced persons, the bloc's High Representative said in a statement on 10 July 2026. The EU demanded that the RSF immediately cease all military operations in and around the city that put civilians at risk, warning that El Obeid cannot become another El Fasher. Any attack targeting civilians, preventing their safe passage, or intentionally obstructing humanitarian access will lead the EU to consider robust measures against those responsible, the statement added.
The statement, issued on behalf of the 27 member states, calls on all parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian and human rights law, including the protection of civilians, particularly women and girls, and civilian infrastructure. The EU also urged all foreign actors to immediately end any direct or indirect support that enables and intensifies the conflict, in line with their commitments in the Berlin Principles. The bloc called on all parties to return to negotiations for a lasting ceasefire, ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, support a Sudanese-led civilian political process leading to the restoration of civilian governance, and uphold accountability and respect for international law. As a member of the Quintet, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to the Sudanese people and to supporting efforts to end suffering, promote justice and accountability, and restore peace in a Sudanese-led transition to civilian rule.