Dr. Annette Weber, the European Union’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, stated that 24% of the population in Sudan has entered a famine stage, warning of the country sliding into a “Syrian scenario” if peace negotiations are not resumed.
Weber revealed in an interview with the Middle East newspaper that the European Union is currently preparing a new set of sanctions against Sudanese individuals, after imposing sanctions on some conflict parties last year.
The EU envoy emphasized that the Jeddah Platform for Sudanese peace talks is the main platform for all ongoing efforts, urging an immediate resumption of these meetings.
She stated that returning to Jeddah talks between Sudanese parties has now become more urgent than ever, adding that if negotiations do not start as soon as possible, “I believe we will not get anywhere.”
She added that if an agreement is not reached soon, the country may descend into a civil war, indicating that the entire region will suffer.
The EU Special Representative spoke of a “new package” of sanctions that will target individuals in the near future due to ongoing violations and war crimes.
She said, “The first set of sanctions last year was against some parties that fund the war in Sudan and contribute to its prolongation, and the second package we are working on now will affect individuals.”
The European Union’s envoy to the Horn of Africa expressed hope that various meetings of Sudanese parties would succeed in initiating dialogue and ending the war.
Commenting on accusations by some Sudanese parties of the European Union taking a biased stance in the crisis, she said, “We need to protect the Sudanese people,” confirming that the European Union does not stand by any of the parties.
She reiterated that they are working to support the Sudanese people and the democratic civilian government.
