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Sudan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU
Statements and remarks
20 November 2025 16:35

The European Union (EU) condemns in the strongest terms the grave and ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, including following the seizure of the city of El Fasher.

Deliberate targeting of civilians, ethnically motivated killings, systematic sexual and gender-based violence, starvation as a method of warfare and denying access for humanitarian aid are serious breaches of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Such acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In response to these crimes, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted today restrictive measures against Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, the second in command of the RSF. The EU stands ready to impose any further restrictive measure where appropriate, on all actors responsible for destabilising Sudan and obstructing its political transition.

Ensuring accountability is at the heart of the EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Sudan from 20 October 2025. The EU will step up support to documenting and investigating such violations to break the persisting cycle of impunity, which continues to breed new atrocities. The EU supports the vital role played by accountability, mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission and their investigations of crimes committed by the RSF, the SAF and their associates. The culture of impunity in Sudan must end. Those responsible must be held to account.

The primary responsibility for ending the conflict rests with the leadership of both the RSF, the SAF and their allied militias, as well as those providing them with direct or indirect support. We urge all external actors to take necessary measures to end the sale or supply of arms and related materiel to all parties as per the arms embargo established by the UN Security Council Resolutions 1556 and 1591. The EU will continue to advocate for expanding the mandate of the ICC and of the arms embargo to the whole country.

The EU urges all parties to the conflict to resume negotiations to achieve an immediate and lasting ceasefire, in line with the 12 September statement by the Quad. The European Union will continue to work with the Quad and with other international partners, including as a co-chair of the Paris and London Conferences, to end the suffering of the Sudanese people and find a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict. The cycle of violence in Sudan must end.

The protection of civilians and the humanitarian access are not contingent on a ceasefire. The EU calls for concrete measures to protect civilians, including humanitarian and medical workers, grassroots organisations and local responders, and commends their courage. All parties to the conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law. Civilians on the move, and wishing to leave El Fasher and other besieged cities must be granted safe passage. Those being held hostage must be released immediately.

The EU stresses the need to ensure immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in full compliance with international humanitarian law. No administrative fees or taxes must be imposed on humanitarian actors, the issuance and renewal of visas and travel permits must be expedited. Arbitrary expulsion of humanitarian staff cannot occur. The UN must be allowed permanent presence in Darfur and other areas beyond the control of the SAF.

In the longer term, only a broad Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned inclusive political process can address the grievances that fuel conflicts in Sudan, such as the marginalisation of peripheries. The EU will engage with all parties to the conflict and will step up its support to the dialogue among the Sudanese civilian political groups, in close collaboration with the African Union, IGAD, the Quad members, and other partners.

The EU reaffirms its commitment to support the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan and to ensure its state institutions are preserved. The EU rejects the emergence of parallel governing structures and any action that could result in the partition of the country, as well as any external interference, which heightens tensions and fuels the conflict.