The Council of the European Union decided on Monday to tighten restrictive measures imposed on Sudan, by adopting new sectoral measures targeting the war economy, aiming to limit sources of financing for the conflict and increase pressure on parties fueling the fighting.

The new measures include a ban on the purchase, import, or transport of gold of Sudanese origin, along with a ban on the sale, supply, transport, or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan — two substances widely used in gold mining and extraction activities.

The European sanctions also include a ban on providing related services such as technical assistance, brokerage services, and financial assistance.

The Council explained that gold has become a major source of revenue fueling the conflict in Sudan, noting that restricting trade in Sudanese gold and limiting access to chemicals used in mining aims to reduce resources available to parties responsible for the continuation of violence.

Humanitarian exemptions

The decision includes specific exemptions; the restrictions on mercury and cyanide do not apply to goods intended for humanitarian purposes, public health emergencies, or disaster response.

The Council emphasized that these measures come within the framework of the European Union's ongoing response to the conflict in Sudan, which has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The European Parliament had earlier condemned, in a previous resolution, 'war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Sudan,' particularly atrocities it said were being committed during the ongoing siege of the city of El Obeid in North Kordofan state, calling for the 'Rapid Support Forces' to be placed on the list of terrorist organizations.

The Parliament adopted the resolution during its plenary session by 476 votes to 28, with 96 members abstaining.

European lawmakers stressed the need for the Union to urgently enhance its humanitarian aid to Sudan and provide direct funding to local organizations working on the front lines, including those in the medical sector. They also emphasized the need to establish humanitarian corridors to ensure the evacuation of civilians and the delivery of aid.

Parliament members called on the warring parties to stop attacks against civilians, including acts of sexual violence, and to end the conflict-induced famine.

The lawmakers condemned any foreign interventions that contribute to fueling the war, urging states to cease all forms of support provided to the Rapid Support Forces, particularly through the supply of weapons.