The Group of Seven has called on Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces to agree to an immediate ceasefire, allow unrestricted humanitarian access and enter negotiations to end the war.
In a joint declaration issued Wednesday after talks in Paris, G7 foreign ministers said a ceasefire must be accompanied by a credible, transparent political process led by Sudanese civilians.
That process should address historical grievances and respect Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the ministers said.
The statement expressed deep concern over the war’s devastating impact on civilians and the growing risk of famine in parts of Darfur and Kordofan.
Continued fighting, restrictions on aid deliveries and attacks on civilian infrastructure were putting more lives at risk, the ministers warned. They highlighted drone strikes affecting health facilities, displacement camps and infrastructure essential to food supplies.
The G7 condemned abuses against civilians, particularly conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls. It urged both sides to comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and remove obstacles to the rapid delivery of relief.
The ministers also called on outside actors to stop providing or facilitating military, logistical and financial support to the warring sides.
Foreign backers should instead use their influence to secure civilian protection and de-escalation, and avoid actions that could widen or prolong the conflict, the statement said.
The G7 urged the army and RSF to engage in negotiations, particularly through the Quad, to reach a permanent ceasefire. It also backed the Quintet mechanism’s efforts to facilitate political dialogue.
Political talks and ceasefire negotiations should proceed in parallel and in close coordination, the ministers said, urging international support for both efforts to end the war that began in April 2023.
The Paris meeting brought together foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, alongside the European Union’s foreign policy chief.
Separately, a committee preparing for Sudanese dialogue asked Sweden and other international partners to help establish contact with political forces that have yet to join its efforts, including the Somoud coalition.
The request came during a meeting with Sweden’s envoy to Sudan in Khartoum on Wednesday, according to Radio Dabanga.
Committee member Osman Mirghani said the envoy had expressed willingness to assist with outreach.
Mirghani said the committee stressed the need to coordinate international initiatives, including those of the Quintet and the EU, with efforts to launch dialogue inside Sudan. It also insisted that Sudanese participants retain control over the process and its outcomes.
