Renew Europe has called on the international community to end the inaction towards Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe, as well as calling on EU Foreign Affairs Ministers to prioritise this crisis at their next meeting on 20 November.
The conflict has reached unprecedented levels of horror after two and a half years. Over 150,000 people have been killed, with millions forced to flee their towns and villages. As many as 50,000 have had to flee in recent days alone.
Survivors report systemic war crimes, including executions of civilians, widespread rape, looting, kidnappings and attacks on humanitarian workers. Renew Europe calls for the United Arab Emirates support for the RSF paramilitary militia to be publicly condemned, with UAE leaders held accountable for the civil war’s escalation.
Hilde Vautmans MEP (Open VLD, BE), Renew Europe spokesperson on foreign affairs, said:
"Sudan is enduring one of the gravest human tragedies of our time. When children and women are raped as a weapon of terror, when famine is engineered and humanitarian aid is blocked, the world cannot remain neutral. Ending this horror requires more than words: it demands an immediate ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and targeted sanctions on the commanders responsible, Burhan, Hemedti and their networks. Protecting civilians, supporting survivors, and securing justice is our legal and moral obligation".
Barry Andrews MEP (Fianna Fáil, IE), Chair of the Committee on Development in the European Parliament, stated:
"We are now two years into a war that has killed over 150,000 people, provoked a famine and displaced more than 14 million people. This is what happens when the EU and other key international players fail to invest in states. Sudan's chance at democracy was missed in 2019, with the EU failing to invest in peace & reconciliation when it mattered most. Fragile states will always require our help. If we fail to step up, we will be doomed to watch on as innocent civilians are slaughtered in their thousands, as is happening now."
Charles Goerens MEP (DP, LU), Renew Europe coordinator for the Committee on Development in the European Parliament, stated:
“What we are witnessing in Sudan is a reminder of what happens and what will continue to happen when the world turns its back on the weakest of the global community. Beyond the urgent need to stop the violence, the international community must launch an independent investigation into the war crimes committed and hold to account those who fuel this conflict. At the same time, only continued investment in development cooperation and humanitarian aid can help to prevent such tragedies in the first place and help people survive when they occur. Europe must not waver in its commitment to global solidarity — this is both a moral duty and a strategic necessity to foster stability and human dignity.”
Jan-Christoph Oetjen MEP (FDP, DE), RenewPAC Co-President, concluded:
“The EU can no longer ignore the grave violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan which led to one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. Millions are in dire need for immediate assistance. As the European Parliament, we have the political and moral obligation to speak up and demand an end to the violence in Sudan. We need to step up diplomatic efforts and play an active role in the peace process by enforcing a weapons embargo and by pushing for humanitarian access to reach millions that are affected by the brutal conflict.”