The European Union is expected to sanction Abdelrahim Dagalo, deputy commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in response to alleged human rights violations, according to European diplomats.

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss and potentially approve the measures at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday. The sanctions would include a travel ban to EU countries and the freezing of any assets held within the bloc.The conflict in Sudan, which began in 2023 amid tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has escalated recently with the RSF’s capture of al-Fashir, one of the country’s largest cities, raising concerns about civilian safety.The war has contributed to a severe humanitarian crisis, described by the United Nations as the largest in the world, amid declining global aid budgets.A French diplomatic source said France supports efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Sudan and address accountability, including through the use of EU sanctions.European diplomats indicated there is agreement within the bloc on sanctioning Dagalo, the brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. Some officials said a gradual approach to sanctions is preferred, leaving open channels for dialogue.Reports from al-Fashir describe civilian casualties during the RSF’s recent operations in the city. RSF officials have said investigations are underway and that any proven violations will be addressed, while noting that some reports may be exaggerated.Separately, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK plans to introduce sanctions related to human rights abuses in Sudan and emphasised the importance of ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire.