Sudan: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the situation in the country

Check against delivery!

Opening remarks

Mr President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

The conflict in Sudan has generated displacement at levels unseen since the war in Syria. With now 10.9 million internally displaced persons in Sudan, and an additional 2.2 million people having crossed the border into the neighbouring countries, Sudan is the largest displacement crisis worldwide, surpassing even the scale of the crisis in Syria which is 13.1 million vs 12.3 million.

Close to 25 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian aid in Sudan. Due to the numerous access constraints, only a third of the people in need were able to receive some kind of humanitarian aid so far, which means 8 million. After over a year and half of conflict, this is unacceptable.

So far, since the re-opening of the Adre border crossing on the 15 August - so it means for three months only -, about 150 trucks entered Darfur. This is about 10 times less than the total amount of trucks entering Gaza, for instance.

The responsibilities for this man-made calamity rest with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces as well their respective affiliated militias.

Despite repeated tries to bring both parties to the negotiating table, the current escalation of the fighting coincides with the mutual rupture of talks by the generals and confirms that they have no political will to engage in serious discussions.

Two weeks ago, in the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, High Representative/Vice-President [Josep] Borrell participated in a Ministerial Meeting on Sudan, following-up to the April conferencein Paris. Our collective call for a nationwide cessation of hostilities continues. The European Union supports all meaningful efforts to put an end to the war.

The same goes for the need for strengthened pressure on those external actors providing support to the warring parties. The upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summitmid-October will be the opportunity to continue our diplomatic outreach notably with the United Arab Emirates, who have leverage with both belligerent parties.

But we also want to look at concrete actions:

First, confidence-building measures, and the protection of civilians and critical civilian infrastructures. Access and delivery of humanitarian aid remains paramount. This is important, not only for Sudan but also the neighbouring countries. The establishment of safe havens and protecting humanitarian routes should urgently be put in place. We will be working with the United Nations and the African Union in this regard.

Second, a robust mechanism for compliance with the laws of war is still lacking. All responsible actors must be identified and held accountable for the atrocities they have committed and continue to commit. This cannot go on; the era of impunity must end. The European Union supports the principle of additional sanctions against those in leadership positions who obstruct humanitarian operations and the return to a democratic transition.

Finally, the transition to civilian rule remains the ultimate objective. The European Union has consistently supported civilians in Sudan, and we remain a trusted convening platform. There is some progress in amalgamating civilian groups, but we are slowly helping to unify them. They will be the drivers for change of the post-war Sudan.

Mr President, Honourable Members,

The situation in Sudan remains catastrophic. Together with our international partners, we are mobilised to align our efforts to end the war now.

Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261649

Closing remarks

President, Honourable Members, the debate today testifies on your continued interest and engagement on Sudan.

Let me stress once again, on behalf of the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, that the European Union will continue its diplomatic outreach. And our messages are very clear: immediate cessation of hostilities and secured humanitarian access; second, urging for the respect of International Humanitarian Law and the protection of civilians; third, putting the political process back on track. All efforts, properly coordinated, are welcomed to seek ways to support dialogue and mediation in order for a return to a civilian-led transition. And finally, external actors should refrain from fueling the conflict.

The people of Sudan deserve freedom, peace and justice, which they have been aspiring to since their Revolution began in 2019. The European Union reaffirms its steadfast support and solidarity with the Sudanese people in view of their better future.

We encourage the European Parliament to continue its engagement with Sudan and the region.

Thank you very much.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261651