The African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), League of Arab States, European Union and the United Nations have jointly called for an immediate halt to escalating hostilities in Sudan, warning of worsening humanitarian conditions and grave risks to civilians.
In a joint statement, the five bodies — collectively known as the Quintet — expressed “grave concern at the continued escalation of the conflict in the Sudan” and urged parties to stop further military action.
“The Quintet calls for the immediate halting of any further military escalation, including the use of increasingly destructive means of warfare, which is inflicting devastating harm on civilians,” the statement reads.
The group said it was particularly alarmed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Kordofan region and Blue Nile State, citing reports of deadly drone strikes, sieges around populated areas, and attacks on critical civilian infrastructure.
“Reports of deadly drone strikes, tightening sieges around population centers; attacks affecting critical civilian infrastructure including hospitals, schools and humanitarian assets; forced displacement and severe constraints on humanitarian access… underscore the urgency of immediate action to prevent atrocities,” the Quintet said.
The statement recalled the “horrors witnessed in El Fasher,” noting that previous warnings had gone unheeded with devastating consequences for civilians.
It insisted that civilians must no longer bear the brunt of the conflict.
Reaffirming international legal obligations, the Quintet emphasized that the protection of civilians and infrastructure is mandatory under international humanitarian law.
“Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, international humanitarian law must be respected, and safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas in need must be ensured,” the statement said, adding that “serious violations of international humanitarian law cannot go unaddressed” and that perpetrators must be held accountable.
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Quintet urged all parties to seize ongoing efforts to broker a humanitarian truce and immediately de-escalate hostilities to allow life-saving aid to reach affected populations.
It said any truce should align with international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2736 of June 13, 2024.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, warning that continued escalation risks further undermining civilian protection and national infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the Quintet pledged to support a Sudanese-led, inclusive political dialogue aimed at ending the war and paving the way for a peaceful political transition.
