EU Pledges Support for Ceasefire Talks in Sudan Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced on Thursday that the bloc is prepared to back all initiatives aimed at ending the 15-month conflict in Sudan, Anadolu Agency reported.

Borrell emphasized the urgent need for Sudan’s warring factions to halt what he termed a “man-made tragedy” and engage in negotiations.

The EU’s commitment coincides with upcoming ceasefire discussions facilitated by the United States, scheduled for August 14 in Switzerland. These talks will include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations as observers, according to the U.S. State Department.

The conflict erupted in April 2023, pitting army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo over disputes regarding the integration of the RSF into the national army. The fighting has resulted in nearly 16,000 deaths and displaced millions, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

Amnesty International’s recent briefing highlights the ongoing turmoil, pointing to a continuous influx of foreign weapons from countries like China, Russia, and Türkiye, which exacerbates the situation despite an ineffective arms embargo on Darfur. The report calls for an expanded embargo covering all of Sudan and urges nations to cease arms supplies, stressing the immediate need for international action to safeguard civilians from further violence.