On Saturday, Sudan Shield Forces rejected the European Union Council’s sanctions against their commander, Major General Abu Aqla Kekel, claiming that the measures were imposed without evidence.
In a statement, Sudan Shield spokesperson Col. Youssef Hassan Al-Da’im Omar said, “We reject the EU Council’s decision to sanction Maj. Gen. Abu Aqla Kekel.”
He argued that the decision failed to present any evidence supporting the allegations and instead relied on misleading media reports.
The spokesperson described the sanctions as an attempt to undermine the gains made in shifting the battle in favor of legitimacy. He emphasized that the Sudan Shield Forces’ operations to protect civilians and combat armed rebellion—referring to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—are based on constitutional duties and international legal frameworks.
He added that the sanctions were imposed without notifying Kekel or presenting him with any evidence, ignoring the complex security and political landscape. According to the spokesperson, Sudan Shield is engaged in an existential war against a foreign-backed RSF.
He further criticized the EU for bypassing both local and international legal processes and failing to adhere to the principle of proportionality in its actions against “a national leader striving to protect his people.”
