The EU Resolution on Sudan: Pros and Cons

Brussels – Sudanhorizon – Maryam Abshir
Sudanhorizon has obtained exclusive details from behind the scenes of the European Parliament and its ministerial council deliberations regarding the resolution issued yesterday (Thursday) on developments in Sudan, in which the EU explicitly condemned the crimes committed by the militia in Al-Fashir.
Positive Aspects of the Resolution
Sudan’s Ambassador in Brussels and its representative to the European Parliament, Ambassador Abdel-Baqi Kabeer, described the EU’s explicit and strongly worded condemnation—by name—of the militia’s crimes, particularly in Al-Fashir, as a positive sign.
He added that the resolution’s call on the European Council to immediately begin examining the available evidence of the militia’s crimes, and whether these acts meet the EU’s criteria for designation under its terrorism list, is a significant development. Speaking to Sudanhorizon, Ambassador Kabeer said this clause marks a highly positive step, noting that if the militia’s actions are found to meet the criteria, designation would follow immediately. According to him, this represents a major step forward and the first resolution of its kind issued by the EU.
Another positive indicator, according to Ambassador Kabeer, is the resolution’s unequivocal statement that the EU recognises no parallel authority other than the current Sudanese government, and that coordination on any administrative or governmental measure—even in areas under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control—must occur only with the government in Khartoum.
Sudan’s representative to the EU described this clause as a major blow to the militia, affirming that safeguarding Sudan’s territorial integrity is the responsibility of the legitimate government and that non-recognition of any authority in RSF-controlled areas marks an important shift.
Pressure from Abu Dhabi
Initial deliberations on the draft resolution clearly and explicitly identified the UAE as being complicit in prolonging the war in Sudan through its support for the RSF and its provision of weapons and matériel.
Ambassador Kabeer explained that the Sudanese mission conducted extensive meetings and communications with MEPs and with Sudan’s friendly states. Many MPs strongly insisted that the resolution should mention the UAE by name. However, the final text omitted such an explicit reference due to diplomatic pressure from Abu Dhabi on European lawmakers—although indirect indications remained in the resolution, including its condemnation of the militia and its rejection of foreign interference that contributes to the continuation of the war.
Negative Aspects of the Resolution
The EU resolution was not without elements that the Sudanese government viewed as negative. Chief among these was the call for restrictive measures against “leaders of both sides”—the militia and the Sudanese Armed Forces—without exception, including the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council and senior army officials.
Another negative aspect was its emphasis on the Quartet as the sole mediator—a position aligned with UAE preferences, which Abu Dhabi actively promoted within parliamentary blocs through lobbying. Ambassador Kabeer pointed out that the swift statement issued by the UAE’s UN envoy, Lana Nusseibeh, only two hours after the resolution’s adoption, welcoming both the decision and the Quartet, is evidence of the UAE’s success in securing one of its primary demands.
A First Step
Despite the drawbacks, Ambassador Kabeer considers the EU’s move—and its explicit condemnation of the militia—a first step and a significant blow to its chief sponsor. He noted that the clause referring to potential restrictive measures against senior army leaders reflects the EU’s longstanding stance.
He added that the EU has never truly held positions favourable to Sudan, remaining under the influence of political forces supportive of the militia. However, it has now become clear to the EU that these forces are not credible partners—though the Union continues to maintain close proximity to them and has yet to shift its position fully.
At the same time, the EU has realised the necessity of engaging with the Sudanese reality, as the Sudanese people overwhelmingly support their Armed Forces and the Joint Forces, and will not accept any external dictates.

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