European Union announces sanctions against Sudanese groups involved in civil war
In Sudan, fighting rages between the army of General Burhan and the paramilitaries of General Hamdan Daglo, also known as Hemedti. As violence continues to rage in the country, the European Union has decided to act by imposing sanctions on six groups accused of fueling the conflict.
In a statement published recently, the European Council announced these restrictive measures, underlining the seriousness of the situation in Sudan. The six entities targeted by the sanctions are accused of having armed and financed the two camps at war for nine months.
Among these groups, three are companies controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces, including the conglomerate Defense Industries System, which is estimated to have generated revenues of around $2 billion in 2020, according to the European Union. Sudan Master Technology and Zadna International Company are also singled out for their involvement in the financing and supply of military equipment.
The other three sanctioned entities are linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Hemedti. They are controlled by members of his family or senior paramilitary officials and are accused of having participated in the financing and supplying of the fighters.
These sanctions result in a freeze of assets and a ban on residence in the European Union for the directors of these companies. This is the first time that the EU has taken such measures against companies involved in the conflict in Sudan.
Despite this decision, some human rights organizations believe that this comes too late and is not enough to resolve the humanitarian crisis that Sudanese civilians are enduring. They deplore the inaction of the international community in the face of this tragic situation.
Sudan’s civil war has lasted nine months, and no diplomatic progress has been made so far. Fighting continues to ravage the country and the civilian population is paying the high price of this violence. It is therefore crucial that the measures taken by the European Union are followed by other concrete actions to end this devastating conflict and protect the lives of innocent people trapped there.
The announcement of these sanctions is a step in the right direction, but it is imperative that the international community does more to support a peaceful and lasting resolution to the crisis in Sudan. Only a concerted effort by all stakeholders can end the violence and ensure the security and well-being of the Sudanese people.