Two EU and AU officials call for a ceasefire and intensified humanitarian efforts to avert a tragedy in North Kordofan

Sudanhorizon – Mohamed Osman Adam
Two female commissioners from the European Union and the African Union published a joint opinion piece on Tuesday, published on the EU website, stating that Sudan is once again at a dangerous turning point.

The commissioners expressed their deep concern about the worsening humanitarian consequences of the violence affecting more than 605,000 people living in El Obeid and the surrounding rural areas of Sheikan locality, as well as the continued disregard for international humanitarian law and the most basic principles of respecting civilian life and dignity.
They said that as European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, and as African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Amb. Amma A. Twum-Amoah, we are deeply alarmed by the escalating humanitarian consequences
The joint Op-ed article added that the continuation of hostilities and attacks on civilian infrastructure is exacerbating an already devastating humanitarian crisis. For the more than 563,000 civilians trapped in El Obeid, including over 105,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled violence elsewhere, the consequences of any further escalation would be catastrophic, particularly for the most vulnerable, including women, children, and both newly and long-displaced IDPs
The two officials presented a three-point proposal, stating that the imperative is now clear:
– The fighting must stop… A ceasefire is essential to prevent further civilian suffering and avert another wave of displacement.
– Humanitarian access must be protected: El Obeid is a vital hub for relief operations across Kordofan, and any disruption to access routes will cut off a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people in need of protection, safety, and humanitarian assistance.
– Those responsible for violations must be held accountable: Civilians cannot continue to pay the price of impunity.
The article noted that humanitarian organizations are doing their utmost, including stockpiling food, medical supplies, and cholera prevention materials in and around El Obeid, but humanitarian action alone is insufficient to keep pace with the escalating violence. Urgent support is needed to sustain relief operations and enable a rapid response as the situation evolves.
The article launched an appeal stating, “We, on behalf of the EU and the AU, reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. All parties to the conflict have a strict legal and moral obligation to adhere to the principles of International Humanitarian Law and to basic humanity. We are at a loss for words as we see another preventable human rights catastrophe unfold in El Obeid.”

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=16916