International pressure mounts as Sudan’s military government signals openness to US-Saudi mediation while Europe sanctions paramilitary leaders for widespread atrocities.
PORT SUDAN/BRUSSELS – A dual-track international response to Sudan’s devastating conflict emerged Thursday as the country’s military leadership pledged cooperation with peace efforts while Europe sanctioned a senior paramilitary commander for widespread human rights violations.
The Sudanese Sovereign Council, led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, declared its commitment to work with United States and Saudi Arabian mediators, stating it was prepared to “seriously engage” in peace negotiations to end the violence that has ravaged the nation.
Military Government Seeks Diplomatic Path
The military’s statement expressed gratitude to Washington and Riyadh for “their continued efforts to stop Sudanese bloodshed,” marking a potential breakthrough in stalled peace initiatives. This diplomatic opening follows former US President Donald Trump’s commitment to address the Sudan crisis after consultation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The conflict between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created what UN agencies describe as the world’s most severe displacement and hunger emergency, with nearly 12 million people forced from their homes.
Europe Targets Paramilitary Leadership
As peace efforts gained momentum, the European Union took decisive action against the RSF leadership, imposing sanctions on Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, the group’s deputy commander and brother of RSF leader Mohammed “Hemedti” Hamdan Dagalo.
The EU measures, including asset freezes and travel bans, come in response to atrocities committed during the RSF’s capture of El-Fasher in late October – the army’s final stronghold in the Darfur region. Brussels condemned “systemic sexual violence” and “ethnically motivated killings” that “may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Regional Dimensions of the Conflict
The war’s complex regional dynamics continue to influence its trajectory, with Sudanese authorities and international investigators accusing the United Arab Emirates of providing military support to the RSF – allegations Abu Dhabi consistently denies.
EU officials indicated intensified diplomatic engagement with countries believed to be enabling the conflict, aiming to halt weapons flows that have prolonged the fighting and humanitarian catastrophe.
