EU awarded me the Sakharov prize – now I’m demanding they stop their trade deal with UAE for funding war crimes in Sudan

In 2019, the Sudanese regime locked me in prison – again – for fighting for justice for the victims of atrocities in Sudan.

It was the voice of the European Parliament, alongside international pressure, that helped me get my freedom back. Before that, the same parliament had honoured me with the Sakharov Prize.

It is with the deepest gratitude for all this support that I am reaching out to all MEPs today. I have walked your corridors, spoken to your committees, and believed in Europe’s commitment to ending Sudan’s conflict.

However, while on Thursday (9 July) the European Parliament passes much-welcomed texts condemning the ongoing slaughter in my homeland, the European Union is simultaneously engaging in closed-door negotiations for a trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Yes, the same UAE that is fueling the war in Sudan.