The European Union has ramped up pressure on Sudan’s warring factions, hitting a top commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with severe sanctions. The move targets Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, the paramilitary group’s second-in-command, citing “grave and ongoing atrocities” committed under his watch.
Dagalo, the brother of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), faces these measures following the brutal capture of el-Fasher, a critical stronghold in the war-torn Darfur region.
“We Will Come After You”
The EU’s decision sends a stark warning as the civil war drags into its third year. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas did not mince words when announcing the measures on Thursday.
“This sends a signal that the international community will come after those who are responsible,” Kallas told reporters. She described the recent fall of el-Fasher as the opening of “another devastating chapter” in a conflict that is deteriorating sharply.
The sanctions are a direct response to the violence unleashed by Dagalo’s troops. After besieging el-Fasher for over 18 months, RSF forces finally seized the city, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee into overcrowded camps and effectively cementing their control over the entire Darfur region.
A Gradual Escalation
This is not the first time the international community has moved against the RSF leadership. The United States imposed similar sanctions on Dagalo back in September 2023, shortly after the conflict erupted.
An EU spokesperson clarified that these new penalties are part of a “gradual approach.” The bloc is steadily increasing the severity of its response against both the RSF and the Sudanese military as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
The EU has explicitly stated that the deliberate targeting of civilians, sexual violence, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war constitute crimes against humanity.
A Country in Ruins
The war, which began in 2023 as a power struggle between former allies, has left Sudan in ruins. Estimates indicate that at least 40,000 people have been killed, while a staggering 12 million have been displaced from their homes.
Despite the carnage, peace remains elusive. The RSF recently stated it welcomes international ceasefire efforts but blamed the military for obstructing peace. Conversely, the Sudanese military has rejected truce proposals, insisting the RSF must first disarm and withdraw from civilian areas.
New Diplomatic Push
As the violence continues, global powers are looking for new ways to force a resolution. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a renewed interest in the region, stating plans to push for an end to the war following urgent discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
READ MORE: The Deadly Count: How a Disputed Election Unleashed Chaos
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
