Karuizawa — The Group of Seven has strongly denounced the ongoing fighting in Sudan between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), urging all parties to “end hostilities immediately without pre‑conditions.” The G‑7 foreign ministers issued a joint communiqué after meeting for two and a half days in Karuizawa, Japan.
The statement condemned the violence that threatens the security of Sudanese civilians and undermines efforts to restore Sudan’s democratic transition. It called on all actors to renounce violence, return to negotiations, and take active steps to reduce tensions and protect civilians, including diplomatic and humanitarian personnel.
The communiqué was released amid reports that an armored U.S. embassy vehicle was targeted by forces linked to the RSF during a surge of violence in Khartoum, and that the European Union’s envoy to Sudan was assaulted in his own residence.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told VOA that an American diplomatic convoy was fired on, emphasizing that “all of our people are safe and unharmed, but this action was reckless, irresponsible, and unsafe.” He later spoke separately with General Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), commander of the RSF, urging them to agree to a 24‑hour ceasefire to allow families to reunite and to deliver urgently needed relief supplies. Blinken warned both leaders that any attacks on U.S. diplomats were “totally unacceptable.”
The White House said there are no current plans for a U.S. evacuation, but the State Department will continue to take every responsible measure to ensure the safety of its personnel.
Both Sudanese factions claim gains in Khartoum as the death toll exceeds 180, prompting calls from Washington, international bodies, and capitals worldwide for an immediate cease‑fire.
In Washington, lawmakers also condemned the fighting. Republican Senator Jim Risch, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged the Biden administration to sanction Generals Burhan and Hemedti and other senior security officials, and to push the international community to do the same. Democratic Senator Chris Coons emphasized that peace and stability in Sudan can only be achieved through meaningful political dialogue and a civilian‑led transition that respects the rights and aspirations of the Sudanese people, warning that continued fighting risks dragging the country back into civil war and destabilizing the region.
Katherine Gypson contributed to this report.
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