The G7 calls for a halt to the escalation in El Obeid and an expansion of the arms embargo on Sudan.

July 15, 2026 (PEN) The foreign ministers of the G7 and the European Union called on the Rapid Support Forces to stop any actions that could lead to new atrocities or endanger civilians in the city of El Obeid, calling on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to immediately cease hostilities and enter into direct negotiations.

In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the group expressed grave concern over alleged serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile, following atrocities committed during the Rapid Support Forces’ siege and attack on El Fasher.

The statement called on the Rapid Support Forces, the Sudanese army and their allied groups to protect civilians, facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian aid to El Obeid and its surroundings and throughout Sudan, and ensure the safe passage of civilians.

The foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union, called on the Sudanese Armed Forces not to reject de-escalation measures, and on the Rapid Support Forces to implement their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration.

The statement affirmed support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Pekka Haavisto, to reduce the escalation in El Obeid, along with the efforts of the Quartet and Quintet groups to reach a humanitarian truce followed by a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive civilian political dialogue.

The group stressed the need to hold those responsible for violations of international law accountable, and called on external parties to cease any military, financial or logistical support to the parties to the conflict.

It also called on the Security Council to extend the arms embargo to cover all Sudanese territory.

The statement reaffirmed the G7’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and rejected any unilateral initiatives that could lead to the country’s division, while emphasizing support for the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.