On 8 July 2026, the European Parliament adopted a joint resolution condemning war crimes and escalating violations of international humanitarian law in El-Obeid, Sudan, and calling for urgent EU action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. The resolution warns that 500,000 civilians are at risk of mass atrocities due to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) siege of El-Obeid and insists the international community prevent a repeat of the El-Fasher massacre. It notes that the UN fact-finding mission found the RSF takeover of El-Fasher bore hallmarks of genocide and that rape and sexual violence are used as weapons of war. The resolution reports that drone strikes have destroyed El-Obeid's power, fuel, and water supplies, and that Sudan's healthcare system is collapsing. It alleges external support for the RSF, including foreign military contractors and equipment transfers breaching the UN arms embargo, and names the UAE as a state that should cease financing or supplying the RSF. The Parliament calls for the EU to urgently increase humanitarian support, fund local frontline organisations, and establish humanitarian corridors to El-Obeid. It urges the EU to impose targeted sanctions on entities and individuals responsible for war crimes, including private security company Global Security Services Group, and to consider listing the RSF on the EU terrorism list. The resolution demands independent investigations, extension of ICC jurisdiction to all of Sudan, and support for the UN fact-finding mission mandate. The resolution is a strong signal from the European Parliament, but its impact depends on follow-up by the European Commission and the Council, which will decide on sanctions and humanitarian aid. The resolution may increase pressure on EU member states to act, but divisions over engagement with Sudan and the UAE could slow implementation. Civilians in El-Obeid stand to benefit if humanitarian corridors and sanctions are enforced, while the RSF and its external backers face potential reputational and financial costs. EU taxpayers may bear additional costs for humanitarian aid and sanctions enforcement.
Source🔗 Open source ↗