Rhino: Follow-up – The European Union reaffirmed its support for a Sudanese-led civilian political process leading to the restoration of civilian rule, as well as the restoration and upholding of the principle of accountability and respect for international law.

In a statement, the European Union’s High Representative reiterated the Union’s commitment to the Sudanese people, supporting efforts aimed at ending suffering, promoting justice and accountability, and restoring peace through a Sudanese-led transition to civilian rule.

The statement warned that any attack targeting civilians or preventing their safe passage, or any act that deliberately obstructs the delivery of humanitarian aid, constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law and will prompt the European Union to consider taking stringent measures: All parties to the conflict must fully respect international humanitarian law and human rights law.

The European Union urged external actors, in line with their commitments under the Berlin Principles, to immediately cease any direct or indirect support that enables and fuels the continuation of the conflict and called on the parties to the conflict to return to negotiations to achieve a permanent ceasefire and to ensure rapid, safe, unimpeded, principled, and sustainable humanitarian access.