The United States, United Arab Emirates, and other key international actors on Wednesday called on Sudan’s warring factions to uphold international humanitarian law following the killing of five aid workers in the besieged city of El-Fasher.
In a joint statement, which also included the United Nations, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the African Union, and Switzerland, the group stressed the urgent need for full respect of humanitarian law.
“Attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian personnel and assets, are serious violations of international humanitarian law,” the statement, released by the US State Department, declared.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday demanded an investigation into the attack on a convoy organised by the World Food Programme and UNICEF.
The UN agencies did not assign blame for the assault, which occurred in an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), engaged in conflict with Sudan’s regular army since April 2023.
The United Arab Emirates has faced criticism for its alleged backing of the RSF.
The ongoing war in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of more than four million people.
