The G7 foreign ministers and the EU High Representative on 15 July 2026 called on Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied armed groups to immediately cease any action likely to lead to further atrocities or endanger civilians in El-Obeid, including drone strikes and impediments to humanitarian access. The statement, issued by the EEAS, expresses grave concern over alleged severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law across Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile regions, following the RSF's siege and attack on El Fasher.
The ministers urged both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to abide by their obligations under international law, protect civilians, guarantee safe voluntary passage, and facilitate rapid humanitarian access into and around El-Obeid and throughout Sudan. They called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and engage in direct negotiations in good faith, specifically urging the SAF to stop rejecting proposed de-escalation measures and the RSF to implement commitments under the Jeddah Declaration, which they have consistently failed to do.
The statement supports UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy Pekka Haavisto's efforts to de-escalate in El-Obeid and broader initiatives by the Quad and the Quintet to achieve a humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and an inclusive, civilian-led political dialogue. The ministers reaffirmed their determination to promote accountability for all violations and to support victims and survivors.
They called on all external actors to cease providing armed, logistical, or financial support to the parties, in line with the Berlin principles, and urged the UN Security Council to expand the arms embargo on Darfur to the entire Sudanese territory. The statement reaffirms commitment to Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, rejecting any unilateral initiatives that risk partition.
The declaration, while strong in condemnation, carries no concrete EU measures or enforcement mechanisms, reflecting a diplomatic stance rather than a policy shift. It impacts four main stakeholder groups: Sudanese civilians in conflict zones, who may benefit from increased international pressure but face continued risk; the RSF and SAF, which face diplomatic isolation but no immediate consequences; external actors providing support to the parties, who are urged to stop but face no sanctions; and the UN and mediating bodies, whose efforts receive political backing but no additional resources.