EU says Sudan’s unity at ‘serious risk’, warns of more sanctions

October 20, 2025 (BRUSSELS) – The European Union warned on Monday that Sudan’s unity is at “serious risk” from its ongoing conflict and said it was ready to impose further sanctions on those responsible.

In a statement following a meeting of its foreign ministers, the EU council condemned the conflict and placed “primary responsibility” for ending it on the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

It described the situation as the “most severe humanitarian catastrophe globally,” with confirmed famine in parts of the country.

“The EU will continue to employ…the full range of foreign policy instruments at its disposal,” the statement said, including “where appropriate, targeted restrictive measures.”

The EU cited a U.N.-backed report which found both sides had violated international law. The report concluded the RSF had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, while the SAF had committed violations that also amount to war crimes, the statement noted.

Citing widespread atrocities, the EU demanded that the RSF “halt the siege of El Fasher” and called for the withdrawal of all fighters threatening civilian safety.

The council’s demands include an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, credible commitments to an inclusive civilian government, and the restoration of the rule of law and accountability.

Brussels expressed alarm that the war had become one of the deadliest for aid workers globally and called on all parties to remove barriers hindering the delivery of assistance.

The council also voiced concern about the risk of the conflict spilling over into the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, affecting regional stability and migration flows towards Europe.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty and unity, rejecting any attempts to partition the country, and said it would continue to support mediation efforts.