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EU imposes sanctions on Gulf Bank, Red Rock Company, and individuals

Moatinoon
The Council adopted a fourth round of restrictive measures against two individuals and two entities, amid the ongoing dangerous situation in Sudan, where fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has been ongoing for more than two years.

The European Union placed Gulf Bank and Red Rock Mining Company on the sanctions list. A statement issued by the European Council stated that Red Rock is a mining and exploration company whose parent company is already subject to restrictive measures from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and is involved in facilitating the production of weapons and vehicles for the Sudanese Armed Forces.

It noted that the mining sector is particularly important in fueling the conflict in Sudan. Mining areas are often linked to war zones and represent critical strategic locations for the parties to the conflict, exacerbating competition and tensions.

Gulf Bank is largely owned by companies linked to members of the family of Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as "Hemedti") and plays a key role in financing the operations of the Rapid Support Forces.

The European Union also imposed restrictions on Abu Agla Mohammed Kiklan, the leader of the Batana Shield militia, which recently sided with the Sudanese army after splitting from the Rapid Support Forces. The Councils statement stated that Kiklan was the governor of Gezira State after the Rapid Support Forces took control of the state. During his tenure as commander of the Sudan Shield Forces, he was responsible for targeting residents of Al-Kanabi.

The Council also designated the Rapid Support Forces military field commander, Hussein Barsham, stating that he played a leading role in RSF operations that resulted in mass atrocities, including targeted killings, ethnic violence, forced displacement, and violence against civilians, particularly in Darfur and other conflict-affected areas of Sudan.

The individuals designated today are subject to an assets freeze, and any provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of them is prohibited. In addition, a travel ban to the EU applies to the listed natural persons.

The European Union stated that these restrictive measures are intended to underscore its unwavering position on peace and accountability in Sudan. He added that he would use, in close coordination with the international community, his diplomatic tools, including restrictive measures, to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict, address the dire humanitarian situation inside and outside the country, and promote an inclusive and lasting Sudanese political process that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people. The people of Sudan have the right to freedom, peace, and justice.

On 9 October 2023, the Council adopted Resolution (CFSP) 2023/2135 on restrictive measures in light of activities undermining stability and the political transition in Sudan.

With the additional sanctions adopted today, the EUs restrictive measures apply to ten individuals and eight entities.