The United States is gravely concerned about the continuing fighting in Sudan’s Darfur region and Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Actions by the Sudanese government and armed opposition groups, especially following the return of some elements of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), have displaced countless civilians this year and exacerbated an already serious humanitarian crisis.

We urge the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF), all other armed groups, and the Government of Sudan to cease hostilities, to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular with regard to the protection of civilians, and to ensure safe, timely, and unhindered access for aid organizations as called for by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

A political solution is essential to attaining sustainable peace in Sudan. We urge Sudanese government and opposition leaders to take the bold steps needed to secure peace for all Sudanese. Years of fighting have made clear that there is no military solution to the conflicts in Sudan.

We condemn the recent attacks against the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) peacekeepers in Kass, South Darfur state. The UNSC has made clear that UNAMID is authorized to defend itself against attacks, as occurred in this incident. We call on the Government of Sudan to bring the perpetrators of such violence to account and to take all necessary action to prevent future attacks. The Government of Sudan has the responsibility to defuse tensions in the area and prevent future attacks on UNAMID personnel.