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EU council adopts sanctions against 6 entities in Sudan conflict – JURIST

The Council of the European Union on Monday adopted economic sanctions against six entities involved in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In its statement, the council stated that the newly sanctioned entities would have their EU-based assets frozen for their support of activities “undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan.”The sanctioned entities, based in Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), faced accusations from the Council of suppling military equipment and financing to the armed groups taking part in the conflict. The Council alleged that flows of cash and supplies has led to a continuation of the fighting and dire humanitarian situation.Sanctions were issued according to Council Regulation (EU) 2023/2147. The Regulation allows the “freezing of economic resources,” and “freezing of fund,” against those “undermining the stability” of Sudan. When enforced, the regulation prevents individuals or entities from accessing or transferring any source of funds in the EU. It also prohibits EU businesses from transacting with the sanction entities.The SAF and the RSF, an independent military group, have been engaged in an armed conflict since April 2023. The fighting has displaced 5.4 million people and resulted in an estimated 9,000 casualties. Human Rights Watch’s annual 2024 report noted specific concerns regarding possible ethnic-based violence emerging from the fighting.