The African state’s government has warned against “double standards” and any approach that could derail attempts to end the civil war
Sudan’s government has accused the European Union Council of misunderstanding the realities of the country’s ongoing civil war, saying the bloc’s recent conclusions about the situation overlook the actions of militants and risk undermining peace efforts.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the transitional government’s commitment to a “just and lasting peace” while rejecting any approach that equates the state with a “terrorist militia.”
Earlier this week, the EU Council adopted conclusions condemning fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying it has killed thousands of people. It also rejected any attempt to “partition Sudan” along political and ethnic lines through the “emergence of parallel governing structures.” The Council urged the leaders of the army and the RSF to accept an immediate ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and join an inclusive, civilian-led political process.
“The Council’s report does not adequately address the ongoing siege of Al-Fashir by the militia or the systematic use of starvation, forced displacement, and violence against civilians,” the Sudanese Foreign Ministry stated.
It argued that pushing for a ceasefire without addressing the abuses would “inadvertently provide the militia with time to regroup.”
Khartoum said its engagement with foreign governments should not be interpreted as acceptance of “any actor that fails to respect Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the dignity of its people,” and warned that it rejects any process that treats the state and a “terrorist militia” as equals.
The war between the army and the RSF began in April 2023 and has devastated cities, displaced millions of people, and killed tens of thousands, according to UN estimates.
Regional and international efforts involving the African Union, the Arab League, the UN, and Western- and Gulf-backed mediation tracks have so far failed to deliver a durable ceasefire.
The army-led transitional government said it welcomed dialogue with the EU based on respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but warned that “double standards” and “granting political legitimacy to a group responsible for grave violations” could derail peace.
