The European Union issued a statement on Monday, warning that it would impose further sanctions on the leaders of both sides of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The EU emphasized that it “will not stand by as a witness to genocide” in the country, which has been embroiled in a bloody war since mid-April 2023.
This warning came alongside an announcement by the United States, which is set to hold a four-party meeting in New York at the end of the week, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. The meeting aims to discuss the Sudanese crisis, evaluate the challenges, and determine collective steps forward. Participating parties include the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and several Arab countries.
As the fighting intensifies in several regions of Sudan, the EU statement condemned the dramatic escalation, especially in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The EU warned that the consequences of the ongoing conflict are pushing the situation to a “point of no return” for thousands of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, particularly those trapped in displaced persons’ camps.
The EU reiterated its commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 2736, which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and lifting of sieges, urging for a de-escalation in El Fasher. It called on both warring parties and their forces to adhere to international humanitarian law by protecting civilians, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access, and allowing civilians freedom of movement.
The EU urged Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo to engage in negotiations to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Meanwhile, UN officials have accused both sides of disregarding international law, showing no willingness to cease fighting, and committing significant violations against civilians.
The war in Sudan has seen alarming developments in recent days, with fierce fighting erupting around El Fasher, various areas of the capital Khartoum, and the Fao region. Civilian casualties have notably increased.
The current escalation threatens to deepen and entrench the armed conflict, potentially leading to greater ethnic divisions within Sudanese society and further destabilizing the region. The ongoing violence has caused immense suffering for civilians, forcing over 13 million people to flee their homes and putting around 26 million at risk of famine. Additionally, more than 60% of the population has lost their livelihoods due to the conflict, which has spread to more than 70% of the country’s territories.
A report by Chatham House, a UK-based research organization, suggested that one potential solution to the Sudanese crisis could involve deploying African military observers, supported by the UN, to enforce a ceasefire.
Three weeks ago, a UN Human Rights Council-formed committee recommended international intervention to protect civilians in Sudan.
