The EU Council approved on Thursday the imposition of sanctions on seven individuals due to the dramatic escalation of violence in Sudan and serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. According to a related statement, the ongoing conflict has caused thousands of deaths and immeasurable human cost, particularly in the Darfur region, while also threatening stability across the wider area.
At a press conference following the conclusion of the Foreign Affairs Council, the High Representative, Kaya Kallas, described the situation in Sudan as “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.” In response to the escalation of violence, the Ministers approved new sanctions against members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). “These measures alone will not end the war, but they will increase the cost for those responsible,” she said.
Aim to end conflict
Of the individuals placed under sanctions, five are linked to the RSF and two to the SAF. Among them are senior officials and commanders, who are reportedly associated with actions that threaten the peace and security of the country.
The sanctions include asset freezes, a ban on the provision of financial resources, and a travel ban to the European Union. The EU’s sanctions regime for Sudan now covers a total of 18 individuals and eight entities.
The European Union emphasises that it will continue to use the full range of its diplomatic and political tools, including targeted sanctions, with the aim of ending the conflict and achieving a sustainable peaceful solution.