The European Parliament condemned the ongoing conflict and violence in Sudan in a resolution adopted on Wednesday. MEPs denounced grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), including attacks on civilians, sexual violence, torture, and the use of child soldiers. These actions could constitute acts of genocide, according to the resolution, which passed with 503 votes in favour, 32 against, and 52 abstentions.
Parliament expressed deep concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, highlighting confirmed famine and calling for the warring parties to cease using starvation and sexual violence as weapons of war. The resolution emphasised the need to prioritise the situation of women and girls affected by conflict-related sexual violence.
MEPs reaffirmed Sudan’s sovereignty and the legitimacy of its civilian government, while condemning external interference and urging respect for the UN arms embargo. They supported the African Union’s peace efforts and called for meaningful dialogue between the parties. They also welcomed a joint QUAD statement (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US) on resolving the conflict.
Concerned about the potential spillover of violence, particularly into the Horn of Africa, MEPs urged the EU to increase its humanitarian commitment by €273 million. The resolution demanded accountability for perpetrators and called for expanding the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction over Sudan. Additionally, it urged the EU to impose targeted sanctions on key RSF and SAF commanders and to assess whether the RSF should be designated a terrorist organisation.
