The European Union has called for greater international efforts to end Sudan’s war, warning that the conflict is becoming increasingly regional and that diplomatic efforts must be translated into practical action.
Annette Weber, the EU special representative for the Horn of Africa, told a UN Security Council informal dialogue on Sudan that the military balance in the conflict is shifting, but the fundamental dynamics of the war have not changed.
She said the “fight-to-the-finish” approach of the warring parties continues to shape the conflict, while the increasing use of drones is expanding the geographical reach of the fighting.
The war between Sudan’s army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, began in April 2023.
Weber said international efforts to end the conflict have developed, with greater coordination among the EU, UN, African Union, Arab League and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
She called for an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process involving civilian groups, women and young people.
“The core challenge now is to turn principle into practice,” she said.
Weber also called for closer coordination between diplomatic efforts and the security track led by the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, known as the Quad.
She warned that the conflict is increasingly being influenced by regional and international actors.
“Arms, financing and logistical support connect the Sudanese battlefield to wider regional rivalries and security calculations,” she said.
The EU official said the international community should prepare now for a possible post-war period, including arrangements for monitoring a ceasefire, separating forces, addressing violations and ensuring humanitarian access.
She also highlighted efforts involving the warring parties to protect critical infrastructure, saying both General Burhan and General Dagalo had recently reaffirmed their commitment to continuing discussions on an agreement.
The EU has identified four key priorities for Sudan: a ceasefire, a civilian-led political transition, humanitarian access and accountability.
“When we met in December, the immediate challenge was coherence. Today, we need to move from coherence to operationalisation,” Weber said.
The conflict has displaced millions of people and created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with aid agencies warning that civilians continue to face severe food shortages, displacement and insecurity.
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