Eleven countries, including Germany, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, along with the European Union, have issued a joint statement warning of an "extremely high" risk of new atrocities in Sudan. This warning comes one year after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized El-Fasher, a historic capital of Darfur. The statement denounced massacres, summary executions, sexual violence, torture, and ethnic persecution committed during the RSF's offensive.
The warning was issued on October 26, 2026, as the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army continues. Experts from the United Nations have described the RSF's operation as having "the characteristics of a genocide." The signatories called on states to use their influence to protect civilians and help end the conflict. They also pointed to the increasing use of drones in the fighting.
The city of El-Fasher has been the scene of mass crimes against civilians, targeted on an ethnic basis. In a message on social media, France expressed its condolences to the people of Sudan and vowed to work to break the cycle of impunity in the country. The French message noted that the risk of new atrocities remains extremely high.
In a separate statement, 31 countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, expressed concern about the deteriorating food security situation in Sudan. They reported that 19.5 million people are suffering from hunger in the country, which has been devastated by war. The signatories condemned restrictions on humanitarian aid and called on the warring parties to ensure safe and rapid access to populations.
The United Kingdom announced on October 26 that it would impose sanctions on military commanders suspected of committing violence, including sexual violence, during the fall of El-Fasher. The Sudanese conflict has received indirect external support in the form of arms, financing, and logistical support. The United Arab Emirates is seen as a key supporter of the RSF.
The RSF has been accused of receiving military equipment smuggled through neighboring countries, including Chad and Libya. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant human suffering, with millions displaced and facing hunger. The international community has called for an end to the violence and protection for civilians.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with the risk of new atrocities extremely high. The international community must work together to protect civilians and bring an end to the conflict. The use of drones in the fighting has added to the complexity of the situation, and efforts to address this issue are needed.
Key points
- The risk of new atrocities in Sudan is extremely high.
- 19.5 million people in Sudan are suffering from hunger.
- The international community has called for an end to the violence and protection for civilians in Sudan.
