Brussels (Brussels Morning) – The European Council condemns Sudan’s man-made calamity, urging an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and accountability. EU solidarity aims for peace and justice amid Sudan’s crisis.
The Council of EU states that the EU is disgusted by the unusual man-made calamity formed by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their separate affiliated militias since 15 April 2023.
According to the Press of the European Council, the EU reflects its strong request to the warring parties for an instantaneous and durable ceasefire, as well as for the installation of monitoring mechanisms. The magnitude of the conflict indicates that silencing the guns is important to put a halt to the destruction imposed on the Sudanese people and the country. The EU continues to back regional and international mediation measures, stressing the importance of coordination and coherence to bring peace to Sudan.
Sudan is now the centre of the largest displacement situation in the world, within Sudan and the neighbouring countries, especially concerning women and children. Millions are running because of the horrific onslaught driven by the warring parties, including ethnic cleansing, indiscriminate bombardment, sexual and gender-based brutality, human trafficking, arbitrary imprisonment, forced recruitment and looting. Furthermore, the country is presently facing the worst hunger level ever documented, affecting half of its total population, with a real threat of pushing millions into starvation during the upcoming lean season.
Will EU efforts end Sudan’s humanitarian crisis?
The EU contended that it reminds the warring parties of their responsibility under international humanitarian law to protect civilians. Denying entrance to food, healthcare and relief items is an obvious violation of international law, which may constitute war crimes. The warring parties should keep their mutually agreed commitments in Jeddah to deliver immediate, full, safe and unhindered access to life-saving humanitarian assistance, particularly across frontlines and across borders. Life-saving deliveries and operations should be barren of bureaucratic and administrative impediments. The EU also praised the bravery and dedication of local and international humanitarian workers, especially local NGOs and Emergency Response Rooms.
Is the EU providing aid to Sudan’s victims?
Substantial assistance from the EU and its Member Nations represented a third of the total humanitarian response in 2023. To respond to the increasing demands of the Sudanese people and to provide Sudan with the attention it deserves, France, Germany and the EU will co-chair an International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and the adjacent countries in Paris on 15 April.
The EU highlights its commitment and declares that it will do its utmost, in functioning with international mechanisms, so that all reliable actors are identified and held accountable for the horrors they have committed and persist to commit.
Are EU’s measures effective in Sudan?
Moreover, the EU assumed a first set of restrictive measures and is willing to continue to use its tools to contribute to ending the armed conflict, discourage block of humanitarian assistance and halt the culture of impunity. The EU has also called all states that are providing arms and funds to the belligerents to terminate their support immediately. The people of Sudan deserve freedom, harmony and justice, which they have been desiring since their Revolution started in 2019. The EU has reaffirmed its firm support and solidarity with the Sudanese people offering a better future.
