Joint op-ed by European Union Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and African Union Commissioner Amb. Amma A. Twum-Amoah

Sudan is once again at a dangerous turning point. In a country that has been suffering the consequences of the war and violence for more than 3 years the situation looks unfortunately already as a deja vu.

We did not stay silent last year when we witnessed the atrocities in El Fasher and we are raising our voices to avoid that a similar situation unfolds again.

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 of the violence affecting more than 605,000 people living in El Obeid town and the surrounding rural areas of Sheikan locality, as well as by the continued disregard for International Humanitarian Law and the most basic principles of respect for civilian life and dignity.

Continued hostilities and attacks on civilian infrastructure are deepening an already devastating humanitarian crisis. For more than 563,000 civilians trapped in the city of El Obeid, including over 105,000 displaced people who have already fled violence elsewhere, the consequences of further escalation would be catastrophic especially for the most vulnerable populations including women, children and new as well as already existing forcibly displaced persons.

Recent weeks have seen intensified attacks affecting fuel stations and depots, market areas, health facilities, commercial convoys, and residential neighbourhoods. They all constitute civilian infrastructure which is protected under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Humanitarian partners report worsening shortages of fuel, water and electricity, while schools, markets, shops and humanitarian warehouses have closed in many areas, cutting families off from basic goods and services.

We are profoundly worried by warnings that an offensive on El Obeid could trigger mass displacement and expose civilians to grave risks, including serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We raise our voice once again to underline that the protection of civilians must never be treated as optional. International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties, at all times, and in all circumstances. The Rapid Support Forces must immediately cease all military operations in and around El Obeid that put civilians at risks.

What is needed now is clear. First, the fighting must stop. A ceasefire is essential to prevent further civilian suffering and to avoid yet another wave of displacement. Second, humanitarian access must be protected. El Obeid is a critical hub for aid operations across Kordofan, and any disruption to access routes would sever lifelines for hundreds of thousands of people in need of protection, safety and humanitarian assistance. Third, those responsible for violations must be held accountable. Civilians cannot continue to pay the price for impunity.

Humanitarian organisations are doing what they can, including pre-positioning food, medical supplies and cholera response kits in and around El Obeid. But humanitarian action alone cannot keep pace with escalating violence. Urgent support is needed to sustain relief operations and enable rapid response as the situation evolves.

The people of Sudan deserve protection, access to assistance and the hope of peace. The international community must act now to uphold these basic obligations before more lives are lost.

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. While we continue to work together with the international community to find a peaceful solution for the war in Sudan, the parties to the conflict are the ones who should enforce the rules of war, transform them into reality and save lives.

Hadja Lahbib
European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

Amb. Amma A. Twum-Amoah
African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development