On Monday, the European Council took decisive action by imposing sanctions on six entities actively involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where the regular army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in hostilities since April of last year.
In an official statement, the Council emphasized that the targeted entities played a significant role in “supporting activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.” The list includes two companies engaged in the production of weapons and vehicles for the SAF, namely Defense Industries System and SMT Engineering. Additionally, the SAF-controlled Zadna International Company for Investment Limited, along with three companies involved in procuring military equipment for the RSF (Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd, Tradive General Trading, and GSK Advance Company Ltd) are also subject to sanctions.
According to the Council, the sanctioned entities will face asset freezes, and any provision of funds or economic resources to them, directly or indirectly, is strictly prohibited.
The European Union’s move aligns with actions taken by the United States, which imposed sanctions in June against individuals contributing to violence in Sudan, and the United Kingdom, which targeted businesses associated with Sudanese military groups last year.
The European Union expressed its condemnation in November over the escalating violence in Sudan’s Darfur region, raising concerns about the potential for another genocide. The conflict in Darfur between 2003 and 2008 claimed the lives of approximately 300,000 people and displaced over 2 million.
Despite international efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire, the bloodshed in Sudan has persisted, resulting in the displacement of over 7.5 million people and contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis. The Council reiterated the EU’s profound concern for the humanitarian situation in Sudan and reaffirmed unwavering support and solidarity with the Sudanese people.
