The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers have strongly condemned what they described as ethnically motivated attacks by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilians in El-Fasher and North Kordofan.

In a joint statement issued following a two-day ministerial meeting in Niagara, Canada, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union’s High Representative, expressed grave concern over the worsening situation in Sudan, which they called “the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms the ethnically motivated attacks by the Rapid Support Forces and the escalating violence against civilians,” the ministers said, calling for both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to agree to an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

The statement specifically denounced sexual violence, targeted attacks on civilians, and widespread human rights abuses, urging all sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect vulnerable populations.

The ministers highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian toll of the conflict, calling for safe and unhindered delivery of aid to millions of civilians suffering from famine and displacement.

“All combatants must respect human rights, end hostilities, and ensure safe passage for humanitarian assistance,” the declaration read.

The G7 reaffirmed support for ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United Nations, the African Union, and regional mediators aimed at achieving a negotiated end to the war. The group also called on external actors involved in Sudan to “contribute constructively” and refrain from fueling the conflict through arms supplies or political interference.

The statement followed United Nations warnings that conditions in Sudan are rapidly deteriorating, with aid agencies facing severe restrictions and mounting security threats while attempting to reach civilians trapped by fighting.

The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF paramilitary erupted in April 2023, plunging Sudan into one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian disasters.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, the conflict has claimed at least 40,000 lives and displaced approximately 12 million people, both internally and across borders.

The RSF recently consolidated control over much of Darfur, including the strategic city of El-Fasher, granting the paramilitary dominance over roughly one-fifth of Sudan’s territory. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army retains control of most densely populated areas, including Khartoum and major central cities.

The G7 ministers concluded their statement by warning that continued violence could trigger regional instability and deepen Sudan’s humanitarian collapse. They urged the international community to act swiftly to prevent further atrocities and ensure accountability for perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations.

“The people of Sudan deserve peace, justice, and a future free from terror and displacement,” the ministers said. “The world must not look away.” (ILKHA)