Sudan – Signing of Declaration of Commitment (12 May 2023)

France welcomes the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan signed by representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. It reiterates that these commitments to protect civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid are legal obligations for both parties under international humanitarian law.

France calls on the parties to commit without undue delay to a lasting ceasefire that is fully and effectively respected on the ground in order to facilitate the establishment of humanitarian corridors and ensure the safety of civilians still located in combat zones.

France commends the talks under way in Jeddah since May 6 under the auspices of the United States and Saudi Arabia, as well as the mobilization of all regional and international partners, specifically the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League and the member states of these organizations.

France stresses that restoring peace in Sudan can only occur if all Sudanese stakeholders are brought into the process. It calls on the parties to include all Sudanese political forces and civil society organizations in the discussions in order to achieve a lasting ceasefire and a political resolution of the crisis.