European sanctions on both sides of the conflict in Sudan
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The European Union announced new sanctions today, Monday, targeting six Sudanese entities, half of which are controlled by the Sudanese armed forces and the other half by the Rapid Support Forces.
According to the decisions rationale, the restrictive measures were taken due to the severity of the situation in Sudan, and these entities are responsible for supporting activities that undermine stability and political transition in Sudan. Accordingly, these entities are placed on the asset freeze list, with a direct or indirect ban on providing funds or economic resources to them.
The European Council explained in a statement today that the new list includes two companies involved in manufacturing weapons and vehicles for the Sudanese armed forces (Defense Industries Systems Company and Sudan Master Technology SMT Company), in addition to Zadna International Investment Limited, which is controlled by the Sudanese armed forces. Also included are three companies involved in purchasing military equipment for the Rapid Support Forces: Janid Multi-Activities Limited, Tradef for General Trading, and GSK Advanced Company Limited.
The statement affirmed the European Unions solidarity and steadfast support for the Sudanese people, expressing deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Sudan. It regretted the significant escalation of violence and the immeasurable cost in human lives in Darfur and throughout the country, as well as the violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The statement recalled that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy had strongly condemned in November of last year the ongoing fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces and their affiliated militias.
It is worth noting that in November of last year, reports quoted Luis Miguel Bueno, the spokesperson for the European Union in the Middle East and North Africa, saying that the bloc had adopted a previously non-existent decision allowing European countries, the European Commission, and European institutions in general to make specific decisions against individuals or entities involved in participating, planning, managing, or committing acts involving human rights violations or violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan.
This decision also applies to anyone obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need in Sudan and may also apply to anyone attacking United Nations and non-governmental organization employees working in humanitarian fields.
