Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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69. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will condemn the attacks by the rapid support forces in Sudan which has left thousands dead and hundreds more still missing; the action he will take on an international level to assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46757/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I remain deeply concerned by the situation in Sudan. More than two years of conflict have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 25 million people are in acute food insecurity, with many facing famine.

We are seriously concerned at by reports of ongoing attacks in Sudan, including those carried out by the Rapid Support Forces, which have resulted in significant loss of life and large numbers of missing people. I strongly condemn any acts of violence targeting civilians and call for all parties to immediately cease violence and to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.

Working with EU partners, Ireland has supported strong EU engagement on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses. Ireland initiated discussions on EU sanctions in 2023, which led to the establishment and implementation of EU sanctions targeting both parties to the conflict and their backers. Ireland also proposed 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 has engaged with key actors on Sudan, including through three official level bilateral political consultations visits, held in April, in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait. In all political-level contacts, I have consistently stressed the importance of supporting efforts to restore civilian rule through a Sudanese-led process supported by international mediation.

At the May 2025 meeting of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council 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.

Ireland is also working to support the Office of the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa in their efforts to engage with all parties to the conflict.

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, we have provided €5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, and €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan. Ireland will continue to work to keep Sudan on the international agenda and to support mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and urgent progress on the needed democratic transition.