On Monday, the European Council officially instituted sanctions against six entities implicated in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where the regular army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in hostilities since last April.
In a statement, the Council declared that the six entities bore responsibility for “supporting activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.” The sanctioned entities include two companies engaged in the production of weapons and vehicles for the SAF (Defense Industries System and SMT Engineering), the SAF-controlled Zadna International Company for Investment Limited, and three companies involved in procuring military equipment for the RSF (Al Junaid Multi Activities Co Ltd, Tradive General Trading, and GSK Advance Company Ltd).
“The entities listed are subject to asset freezes. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited,” the Council emphasized.
This move by the EU 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 sanctioned businesses linked to Sudanese military groups last year.
In November, the European Union expressed condemnation for the escalating violence in Sudan’s Darfur region, raising concerns about the potential for another genocide. The conflict in Darfur from 2003-2008 claimed the lives of approximately 300,000 people and displaced over two million. Despite international efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire, the bloodshed has persisted, resulting in the displacement of more than 7.5 million people and creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
“The EU remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and reaffirms its steadfast support for, and solidarity with, the Sudanese people,” affirmed the Council.
