European Parliament Calls for Sanctions on UAE and Countries Involved in Sudan
European Parliament members have called for sanctions against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the UAE, and other countries involved in fueling Sudan’s civil war and committing horrific crimes against civilians in the country.
During a debate in the European Parliament on the worsening crisis in Sudan, lawmakers stressed the need for the European Union (EU) to take immediate and decisive steps to impose sanctions on those responsible for the humanitarian disaster, including the UAE and the RSF.
The discussion highlighted the genocide in Darfur, gender-based violence in Khartoum and Al-Jazira, and the role foreign powers play in escalating the conflict.
Member of Parliament (MP) Francesco Assis (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Portugal) emphasized the importance of the EU following the lead of the United States in addressing the Sudan crisis.
He stated: “The United States has imposed sanctions on the leaders of both sides, as well as on the UAE. The EU should take the same approach, imposing sanctions on war criminals and holding the UAE accountable for its role in this conflict.”
Assis underlined the UAE’s negative role in arming and funding the RSF, which has worsened the humanitarian situation in Sudan.
MP Papandriou (European United Left, Greece) also called for decisive action, supporting his colleague’s demand for sanctions on all parties contributing to the ongoing conflict.
He emphasized the need to hold the RSF and its foreign allies accountable for the crimes committed against the Sudanese people.
Meanwhile, MP Hans Heidy (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Germany) launched a sharp attack on the RSF and its foreign allies, including the UAE, criticizing their role in exacerbating the conflict.
MP Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew Europe, Sweden) called for sanctions on the countries involved in Sudan and specific measures to protect women and children, who have borne the brunt of this tragedy.
In the same vein, MP Lara Walters May (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Netherlands) advocated for a broader approach to sanctions, warning against limiting measures to just the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF.
She said: “The EU must go further and impose sanctions on all responsible parties, including the foreign powers involved.”
Discussions also touched on the genocide in Darfur, where local populations are facing organized attacks and systematic forced displacement.
Lawmakers also addressed the spread of gender-based violence in Khartoum and Al-Jazira, where women and girls face physical assaults and sexual exploitation by armed militias.
The proposed sanctions during the debate focused on the leadership of the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces directly involved in the crimes, as well as the UAE and other foreign powers providing financial and military support to the warring factions.
The calls for sanctions also included individuals and entities benefiting from or contributing to the continuation of the conflict.
Despite criticisms over the EU’s delayed response, lawmakers called for stronger diplomatic pressure, increased humanitarian aid, and enhanced cooperation with Sudanese civil society organizations.
MP Hans Heidy stated: “The EU cannot remain a bystander. We have a moral duty to address the genocide in Darfur, the violations in Khartoum, and the foreign interventions that have deepened this catastrophe.”
The discussions in the European Parliament reflected a growing consensus on the need for urgent action. If the proposed sanctions package is adopted, it will mark an important step toward holding the perpetrators accountable and supporting Sudan’s peace process.
