The European Union is multiplying its political and economic efforts in the attempt to put an end to the crisis that has been devastating the Sudanese region of Darfur over the last year and half and directly affected over two million persons, a third of the total population. A further 20 million Euros have recently been released by the Commission, in addition to the 84 million already allocated in January 2004. According to EU Commissioner Nielson, “the humanitarian situation, already extremely worrying, could further deteriorate if the conflict is not ended and the obstacles to the provision of humanitarian aid remain”. The urgent need for aid to be delivered soon is increased by the fact that now that the rainy season has begun most farmers are unable to begin the sowing of their fields. Alongside its humanitarian mobilization which can also avail itself of the collaboration of the UN’s World Food Programme and the support of many NGOs operating in Darfour the EU has also increased its own political efforts to contribute to a settlement of the conflict. In his role as current President of the European Council, Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot has sent a warning to the Government in Khartoum urging conformity with the ceasefire terms and withdrawal from the occupied territories as decided with the rebels. Bot who also urged Khartoum to “put an end to ethnic cleansing” in the region did not hesitate to threaten severe sanctions in the event of the UNO and the Organization for African Unity reaching a “verdict of guilt” against the Sudanese government.
