The following statement was released by Pax Christi International on November 18, 2024.

Brussels — Pax Christi International expresses profound concern over the escalating violence in Sudan, particularly the intensified attacks in Gezira state and around El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State, leading to the displacement of thousands and shocking civilian casualties with a disproportionate impact on women and children.

The situation in Sudan is dire and demands coordinated international action. We emphasise the necessity of a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying causes of conflict and the immediate protection of civilians, including safe passage for those fleeing conflict zones and humanitarian aid for those in dire need. An inclusive peace process and political negotiations must engage civil society, considering women’s meaningful role in peacebuilding, and ensure long-term stability and reconciliation.

We urgently call on all parties to the conflict, including the Rapid Support Forces – RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), to cease all hostilities. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the denial of aid are severe violations of international humanitarian law as well as the moral dictates of the world’s religions and must end immediately.

We also call on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect the Emergency Response Rooms and their volunteers, who are providing humanitarian and other assistance to civilians. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), alongside the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), must lead those efforts needed to prevent further atrocities and protect civilians of Sudan.

Pax Christi International calls on all external actors to halt any direct or indirect arms transfers to the warring factions. The international community must uphold and enforce the UN Security Council’s arms embargo on Darfur to prevent further escalation and human suffering.

We encourage the UN, the AU, and allies of the countries violating the UN arms embargo to use their leverage to stop these violations, which make the continuation of the war possible. We also encourage civil society organisations to educate the public and to use nonviolent, legislative and legal means to end these violations of the UN arms embargo and support for RSF and SAF violence.

Pax Christi International, as a Catholic peace movement, stands in solidarity with the Sudanese people and calls for renewed international resolve to end this cycle of violence and secure peace and justice for all.

O God, we entrust to You everyone in Sudan: its youth, men, women, children, and elders. Protect them with Your ever-watchful care, for You are capable of all things.

Read the following resources for an overview of the current situation in Sudan:

3 thoughts on “Pax Christi International issues statement on escalating violence in Sudan”

  2. I am from Sudan. I left due to war conditions in search of security. …This is true, the situation is catastrophic…because the war has affected most of the villages. We want solutions to stop the war We know the reasons and we want to find solutions.We want our right to employment, wages, and allowances, and to remove non-specialists from the work structures.

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  3. Thank you for sending out the statement! I helped to write it along with several others, including my Sudanese colleague Dr. Mawa Mohamed. Several of us are now involved in a discussion with the PCI Secretariat about a possible Campaign on Sudan — a proposal will go before the PCI board soon. Watch for developments, and please keep Sudan and the possible Campaign in your prayers. Please feel free to contact me for more info: Ron Pagnucco rpagnucco@csbsju.edu

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