Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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250. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to formally pressure the United Arab Emirates, Chad, and others to stop aiding the paramilitary group RSF, which is actively engaged in ethnic cleansing; the steps he is taking to alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27439/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Government remains deeply concerned at the situation in Sudan. Two years of conflict have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 24 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine. We are gravely concerned by the impact of widespread violence on civilians, including reports of grave atrocities, such as ethnic cleansing in areas including Darfur.

We have engaged with the United Arab Emirates on the situation in Sudan, including in official level bilateral political consultations in April. We have consistently stressed the importance of ceasing all external support to the warring parties and supporting efforts to restore civilian rule via a Sudanese-led process supported by international mediation.

At a recent meeting of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Political Committee, Ireland, speaking on behalf of the EU, stressed the need to use every influence to prevent external actors providing arms to combatants and to unite in favour of peace.

Working with like-minded EU member states, Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses. Ireland initiated discussion on sanctions in 2023, which led to the establishment and implementation of the EU sanctions regime targeting both parties to the conflict and their backers. Ireland also initiated EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in October 2024, which condemned indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians, called on parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue.

Ireland will continue to engage actively on the crisis through all available diplomatic channels, and in particular to advocate for a single mediation process, ideally led by the African Union.

In 2024 Ireland provided €14 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries affected by the conflict. This included funding channelled through UN partners and Irish NGOs, including support to Concern, GOAL and Trócaire.

So far in 2025, Ireland has provided €5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, as well as €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan.