On January 22, 2024, the Council of the EU approved the designations of 6 individuals and 5 entities under its Syria sanctions regime and 6 entities under its Sudan sanctions regime. With the adoption of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/362 and Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2024/380 concerning the situation in Syria, the Council sanctioned an economic advisor to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, 2 members of the al-Assad family, and 3 leading businesspersons in Syria, including Mahmoud al-Dj who supported and benefitted from the al-Assad regime. Among the designated entities are companies owned or managed by al-Dj, including Cham Wings Airlines, the only private airline in Syria that has allegedly engaged in the tranfer of Syrian mercenaries, arms, and narcotics in support of the al-Assad regime.
On the same day, the Council designated 6 entities that have allegedly supported the ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (“SAF”) and the Rapid Support Forces (“RSF”) in Sudan. The Council adopted Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/384 and Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/383 to designate 3 companies that support or are controlled by the SAF and 3 companies involved in the procurement of military equipment for the RSF.
All of the designees will be subject to asset freezes in the European Union, and EU individuals and entities will be prohibited from providing funds or economic resources to them. Designated individuals will additionally be subject to travel bans.
Council of the EU Press Release – Syria | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/362 | Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2024/380 | Council of the EU Press Release – Sudan | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/384 | Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/383