The Minister of International Development warns against great danger for civilians in El Fasher

'I am deeply concerned about the latest developments in the besieged city of El Fasher in Sudan. The paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has intensified its attacks on the city. The civilian population has nowhere to hide. They cannot get out, and almost no aid is getting in. El Fasher has become a death trap. Every day, people are dying of hunger or diseases that could have been treated with medicine or by health personnel.'

'Norway demands compliance to the UN Security Council Resolution 2736, which requires the RSF to lift the blockade of El Fasher.'

'The RSF is responsible for some of the worst abuses against civilians, according to the UN. They are responsible for crimes, including murder and ethnically motivated persecution, torture, forced displacement and widespread and deliberate use of sexual violence as a method of warfare. The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan has concluded that both the Sudanese army and the RSF have committed abuses that may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.'

'The rules of war state clearly that civilians must be protected. I urge the parties to allow safe passage for those who wish to leave the city. Civilians who remain must be protected and given access to food, water and other basic services. Local and international aid workers must be given access to the city and protected so that they can carry out their life-saving work.'

'Norway has repeatedly called on the parties to lay down their arms and come to the negotiating table. I urge the parties to put the people of Sudan first and agree to a ceasefire with the aim of achieving peace. In the long term, only a broad and inclusive political process can resolve Sudan's challenges. Norway is contributing toward this.'