EU Parliament Urges Sanctions on Sudan Crisis Perpetrators, Including UAE and RSF
Call for Immediate Action to Address Genocide, Gender-Based Violence, and Foreign Intervention in Sudan.
Watan-A discussion on the escalating crisis in Sudan emphasized the need for the European Union to take immediate and decisive steps to impose sanctions on those responsible for this humanitarian disaster, including the UAE and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The discussion highlighted acts of genocide in Darfur, gender-based violence in Khartoum and Al Jazirah, and the role of foreign powers in fueling the war.
MEP Francisco Assis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Portugal) stressed the importance of the EU following the United States’ approach in addressing the Sudan crisis.
He said: “The United States has imposed sanctions on the leaders of both sides as well as on the UAE. The EU must adopt the same approach, impose sanctions on war criminals, and hold the UAE accountable for its role in this war.”
Assis underlined the UAE’s negative role in arming and funding the RSF, which has worsened the humanitarian situation in Sudan.
Similarly, MEP Papandreou (European United Left/Nordic Green Left, Greece) called for decisive action, supporting his colleague’s demand for sanctions on all parties contributing to the continuation of the war.
He emphasized the necessity of holding the RSF and their foreign allies accountable for crimes committed against the Sudanese people.
MEP Hans Heidi (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Germany) launched a sharp critique of the RSF and their foreign allies, including the UAE, condemning their role in fueling the conflict.
Meanwhile, MEP Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew Europe, Sweden) demanded sanctions against states involved in Sudan and specific measures to protect women and children who have borne the brunt of this tragedy.
In the same vein, MEP Lara Wolters-May (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Netherlands) called for a broader approach to sanctions, warning against limiting actions to the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF.
She stated: “The EU must go further and impose sanctions on all responsible parties, including the foreign powers involved.”
The discussions addressed the ongoing genocide in Darfur, where local populations face systematic attacks and forced displacement.
The MEPs also discussed the spread of gender-based violence in Khartoum and Al Jazirah, where women and girls have been subjected to physical assaults and sexual exploitation by armed militias.
The proposed sanctions focused on the leadership of the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces directly involved in these crimes, as well as the UAE and other foreign powers providing financial and military support to the warring factions.
The demands also included imposing sanctions on all individuals and entities that benefit from or contribute to the continuation of the war.
Despite criticisms of the EU’s delayed response, the MEPs called for stronger diplomatic pressure, increased humanitarian aid, and enhanced cooperation with Sudanese civil society organizations.
MEP Hans Heidi said: “The EU cannot remain a bystander. We have a moral duty to address the genocide in Darfur, the violations in Khartoum, and the foreign interventions that have deepened this catastrophe.”
The discussions in the European Parliament revealed growing consensus on the need for urgent action. If the proposed sanctions package is adopted, it will be a significant step toward holding perpetrators accountable and supporting peace efforts in Sudan.
