Debate: Situation in Sudan
Date: TUESDAY, 9 MAY 2023
Speaker: Olivér Várhelyi
Language: EN

The EU strongly condemns the ongoing fighting between the rapid support forces, the RSF and the Sudanese armed forces, the SAF, since 15 April, in Khartoum and the rest of the country. We strongly deplore the loss of lives and the violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights. So far, more than 500 people have been killed and 6 000 injured since the conflict began. These are figures in Khartoum alone. The situation in the peripheries, notably in Darfur, is even more dramatic and heavily under—reported. With regard to the evacuations, the majority of the estimated 1 700 EU citizens who were in Sudan when the conflict erupted have now been evacuated. Strong EU solidarity was at play, with EU Member States organising evacuation flights, taking on board other EU nationalities as well as citizens from other countries. The EU continues to facilitate coordinated consular efforts to bring those EU citizens still in the country and willing to leave safely in cooperation with our international partners. I would like to take this opportunity to thank EU Member States and their militaries for the coordinated efforts and successfully carrying out complex evacuations in Sudan. We will continue pushing for a political settlement through coordinated efforts from all the international community. From day one of the conflict, the EU has mobilised its entire diplomatic apparatus. The EU’s short—term objective is to contribute to establishing a sustainable ceasefire so as to enable civilians to find safety and allow humanitarian actors to deliver life—saving assistance. We are working together with our partners to establish a broad—based coalition in this regard and following a consolidated approach. I would like to commend the efforts to increase flexible humanitarian funding for partners who are maintaining or resuming their operations in Sudan. As soon as the security environment allows, we shall stand ready to step in immediately through a coordinated Team Europe approach. Moving forward will be resource demanding, significant investment will be needed in logistics, in civil military coordination and in security analysis and information sharing, including within the UN, but also between the UN, NGOs and the diplomatic community. Beyond the attacks on civilians and on our staff, the situation is extremely worrying and requires our utmost attention. The risks of an all—out war in this country are growing exponentially. The EU welcomes the support of collective, regional and international coordinated mediation efforts, including those of the UN, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, South Sudan, the US and Saudi Arabia. They’re essential to bring Sudan back to the path of peace and stability and to respect the aspirations of the people in Sudan for a peaceful, stable and democratic future. Close coordination to merge and consolidate mediation efforts is of key importance. The EU reaffirms its steadfast support and solidarity with the people of Sudan, especially women and youth, who led a peaceful revolution three years ago. Their aspirations and requests for a better future will not be forgotten. Thank you very much for your attention.