The European Union has warned the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to immediately cease military operations in and around El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, where a major military build-up threatens 500,000 civilians, including approximately 100,000 displaced persons. In a statement on 12 July 2026, the EU said El Obeid cannot become another El Fasher, and that any attack targeting civilians or obstructing humanitarian access would lead the bloc to consider robust measures against those responsible.
The statement, issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU, calls on all parties to fully respect international humanitarian and human rights law, including the protection of civilians, particularly women and girls, and civilian infrastructure. The EU also urges 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 calls on all parties to return to negotiations for a lasting ceasefire, ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, and support a Sudanese-led civilian political process leading to the restoration of civilian governance and accountability.
As a member of the Quintet (the group comprising the EU, the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), the EU reaffirmed its commitment to the Sudanese people and to supporting efforts to end the suffering, promote justice and accountability, and restore peace in a Sudanese-led transition to civilian rule. The statement did not specify what robust measures the EU might take, but signals a hardening stance as the conflict in Sudan continues to escalate.