The European Council has officially imposed sanctions on six entities engaged in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where the regular army (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in hostilities since last April.
The Council said in a statement the six entities were responsible for “supporting activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan”.
Among those listed are two companies contributing to the production of weapons and vehicles for the SAF (Defense Industries System and SMT Engineering). Additionally, the list includes 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 Council emphasized that the entities listed would be subject to asset freezes, and any provision of funds or economic resources directly or indirectly to them or for their benefit would be prohibited.
This move by the EU mirrors actions taken by the US, which imposed sanctions in June against those involved in violence in Sudan, and the UK, 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, warning of the potential for another genocide.
The conflict in Darfur from 2003-2008 resulted in the death of around 300,000 people and displaced over 2 million.
Despite international efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire, the bloodshed in Sudan has persisted, leading to the displacement of over 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,” the Council said.
