As Sudan descends into what has become the world's worst humanitarian catastrophe, Renew Europe is calling on the international community to end its shameful inaction and for EU Foreign Affairs Ministers to prioritize this tragic crisis at their next meeting on 20 November.
After two and a half years of fratricidal conflict, the situation has reached unprecedented levels of horror. Over 150,000 people have been killed, and millions of civilians have been forced to flee their towns and villages, almost 50.000 in recent days alone. Survivors report systematic war crimes: summary executions of civilians, widespread rape, looting, kidnappings, and attacks on humanitarian workers.
The support of the United Arab Emirates for the RSF paramilitary militia, to which they are the main backers, must be firmly and publicly condemned. UAE leaders must be held accountable for escalating this civil war.
Hilde Vautmans (Open-VLD, Belgium), 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".
Hilde VautmansRenew Europe MEP, Belgium, Open Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten
Barry Andrews (Fianna Fail, Ireland), chair of the committee on development, 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."
Barry AndrewsRenew Europe MEP, Ireland, Fianna Fáil Party
Charles Goerens (DP, Luxembourg), Renew coordinator for the committee on development 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.”
Charles GoerensRenew Europe MEP, Luxembourg, Parti démocratique
Jan-Christoph Oetjen (FDP, Germany), 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.”
Jan-Christoph OetjenRenew Europe MEP, Germany, Freie Demokratische Partei
Renew Europe demands a plenary debate at next plenary session and the adoption of a resolution.