G7 foreign ministers cite Jeddah Declaration in urgent call for de-escalation in Sudan｜Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Citing the consistent failure of the Rapid Support Forces to implement commitments under the Jeddah Declaration, the G7 Foreign Ministers, representing Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside the High Representative of the European Union, on Tuesday issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to hostilities in El-Obeid, Sudan.
The group, according to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, expressed grave concern over reports of severe violations of international humanitarian and human rights law across the Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile regions. Their statement highlights these critical areas, specifically citing El-Obeid as the current focus of hostilities, while referencing the recent siege and attack on El Fasher as a primary example of the atrocities endangering civilians across the country.
The Ministers urged the Rapid Support Forces and allied groups to halt actions that endanger civilians, specifically calling for an end to drone strikes and the removal of barriers to humanitarian aid.
They called on both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to protect civilians, guarantee safe voluntary passage, and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the country.
The statement demanded that the Sudanese Armed Forces cease rejecting de-escalation measures and that the Rapid Support Forces fulfill commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration. Both parties were urged to immediately cease hostilities and engage in direct negotiations in good faith.
To address the ongoing conflict, the G7 supports the efforts of UN Personal Envoy Pekka Haavisto, as well as initiatives by the Quad and the Quintet aimed at securing a humanitarian truce and a permanent ceasefire, followed by an independent, inclusive, and civilian-led political dialogue.
Regarding international involvement, the G7 called on all external actors to cease providing armed, logistical, or financial support to the warring parties, in line with the Berlin principles. Furthermore, they urged the United Nations Security Council to expand the existing arms embargo on Darfur to cover the entirety of Sudanese territory.
The G7 Ministers reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any unilateral initiatives that risk the partition of the country. They also emphasized their determination to promote accountabilities for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed by all parties to the conflict.
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