Forgotten crisis in Sudan: civilians victim of chemical weapons. The Egyptian leader unequivocally sides with the Sudanese Armed Forces, while combating the Muslim Brotherhood in his own country – a contradiction the victims cannot comprehend.
Pictures copyright Robin De Marlie
October 17, 2025
Brussels today echoed with an urgent call to the international community. In front of the European Parliament, a coalition of international organisations and human rights defenders demanded immediate action to end the forgotten humanitarian crisis in Sudan, one of the greatest catastrophes of our time.
The press conference emphasised that the use of chemical weapons by the Sudanese Armed Forces against civilians must stop immediately. There were also calls to end foreign support for the Islamist army, particularly from Egypt. This support is seen as a predation for a growing storm of protest against the army.
A moral red line crossed
Ramon Rahangmetan, Co-Founder of Circle of Sustainable Europe, referred to the use of chemical weapons as a moral red line. “It defines whether humanity still governs, or decisions,” he stated. He highlighted that the use of these weapons by the Sudanese government was confirmed by the US Department of State, independent journalists from France 24, and humanitarian organisations. Rahangmetan demanded accountability and strengthened sanctions against enablers.
Women as a weapon of war
Amina Nsenga, author and women’s rights advocate, spoke of the immense threat facing women and children. She described the suffering of the civilian population in a conflict that receives scant media attention. Sudanese women are victims of rape and physical and psychological trauma. They are completely excluded from any decision-making process. Nsenga called on EU leaders to act now to protect women and girls and safeguard their mental health and well-being.
Betrayed dreams and hypocrisy
Andy Vermaut, journalist and human rights defender, outlined how Sudan fought for freedom and democracy after the Arab Spring. However, the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood shattered hopes for a better future for young people and women. He lamented that Egypt, which itself fights the Muslim Brotherhood, is now supporting the Islamists in Sudan. Vermaut called this contradictory and hypocritical. He called for a condemnation of Islamists everywhere and the protection of the lives and fundamental freedoms of the Sudanese people.
International solidarity
Jamil Maqsood, head of the UKPNP, stressed that the world must stand by women and girls fighting oppression, dictatorship, and extremism, as seen in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sudan. Manel Msalmi, President of the European Association for The Defense of Minorities, pointed to the need to end violence against women and stop using rape as a weapon of war. She also condemned the use of starvation as a tool of pressure on civilians, a tactic constantly used by the SAF by blocking humanitarian aid.
Representatives from Bangladesh, Iran, and Afghanistan in Europe spoke in unison. They pleaded for support for secular voices and women’s rights in conflict zones, particularly Sudan. Stopping Islamist extremism is crucial, not only for peace in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia but for the entire world.
Sources:
Press conference organised by a coalition of International and European organisations and human rights and women’s rights advocates in Brussels, October 17, 2025. Featuring statements from:
- Ramon Rahangmetan, Co-Founder of Circle of Sustainable Europe
- Amina Nsenga, author and women’s rights advocate
- Andy Vermaut, journalist and human rights defender
- Jamil Maqsood, head of the UKPNP
- Manel Msalmi, president of the European Association for The Defense of Minorities and Isgap researcher
- Representatives from Bangladesh, Iran, Afghanistan in Europe
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