The European Union’s top foreign policy official, Josep Borrell, called on Thursday for an end to the conflict in Sudan and urged the warring parties to come to the negotiation table. “After fifteen months of war, it is necessary for the warring parties in Sudan to stop this man-made tragedy and sit down at the negotiation table,” Borrell stated.
He added, “The European Union is ready to support all efforts aimed at ending the war, including the ceasefire talks organized by the United States, to be hosted by Switzerland and Saudi Arabia on August 14.” The negotiations, which will take place in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia, will include U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and officials from countries that facilitated the Manama negotiations.
Participants in the talks will include the African Union, Egypt, the UAE, and the United Nations as observers. Since the outbreak of the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in mid-April 2023, several international and regional parties have proposed nine initiatives to end the war, but so far, these have not resolved the crisis. The conflict in Sudan has led to tens of thousands of deaths and has caused a significant humanitarian crisis.
The European Union has been actively engaged in addressing the conflict in Sudan, emphasizing a strong stance on humanitarian aid and seeking diplomatic solutions to the crisis. The EU has committed substantial financial support, pledging €896 million to aid those affected by the conflict in Sudan. This funding is aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable populations, both within Sudan and in neighboring countries.
In addition to financial aid, the EU has imposed sanctions on six entities believed to be undermining the stability and political transition in Sudan. These sanctions target companies involved in the military and security sectors, restricting their access to EU resources and freezing their assets within the EU territories.
The EU’s involvement extends beyond sanctions and financial aid. High-ranking EU officials, including the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, have been vocal about the need for a ceasefire, the importance of humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians. They have also emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations during the conflict.
