EU High Representative Kaja Kallas delivered a joint statement addressing the recent seizure of El Fasher, the capital of Darfur, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), describing it as a dangerous escalation in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. This development has heightened concerns over the humanitarian crisis, particularly with reports of civilians being targeted on ethnic grounds, emphasizing the brutality attributed to the RSF.
Demand for Immediate De-escalation and Respect for Humanitarian Laws Kallas urged all parties involved to comply with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2736 and respect international humanitarian law under the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration. The statement notably places direct responsibility on the RSF to protect civilians, humanitarian workers, local responders, and journalists within their controlled areas. The EU is pressing for unfettered, safe humanitarian access and safe passage for civilians wishing to exit the conflict zones.
Concrete Funding and Support for Relief and Accountability Highlighting the EU’s role as Sudan’s largest humanitarian donor, Kallas specified the allocation of over EUR 270 million in 2025 dedicated to regional humanitarian crisis management, marking the EU’s most significant African funding package. Beyond emergency relief, the EU finances organizations that document war crimes, reinforcing its stance on accountability and support for international efforts to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Policy Orientations and Stakeholder Impact Kallas's discourse underscores a firm EU policy stance favoring increased international involvement and humanitarian oversight in conflict zones, emphasizing both humanitarian assistance and legal accountability. This positions the EU in favor of enhancing international law enforcement and scrutiny over conflict parties, particularly impacting humanitarian organizations that require greater access and protection for aid delivery.
Stakeholders such as Sudanese civilians, humanitarian organizations, and international legal institutions face enhanced protection and support, while the RSF is singled out as responsible for potential breaches, increasing their international scrutiny. The EU taxpayers and humanitarian donors bear significant financial commitments, pushing a policy balance between generous foreign aid and the geopolitical cost of engagement.
This statement outlines the EU’s readiness to continue and possibly escalate support for peace negotiations and accountability mechanisms but stops short of proposing new institutional frameworks or explicit diplomatic sanctions, indicating a preference for diplomatic pressure combined with humanitarian and legal measures.
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