In London, a significant international conference aims to establish “a pathway to peace” in Sudan, hosted by the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy. This high-stakes gathering comes at a crucial juncture as Sudan grapples with a devastating civil war that erupted two years ago. The conflict has been labeled as the world’s most pressing humanitarian crisis, with millions affected.
The UK government has pledged an additional £120 million (approximately $159 million) in food and medical aid to support the affected populace. According to various charities, around 30 million people in Sudan are in urgent need. As the civil conflict drags on, reports indicate that individuals are facing starvation, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. Lammy, while addressing attendees at the conference, highlighted the moral obligation to intervene, asserting, “Many have given up on Sudan – that is wrong – it’s morally wrong when we see so many civilians beheaded, infants subjected to sexual violence, and more people facing famine than anywhere else in the world. We simply cannot look away.”
The brutality of the conflict has led to the forced displacement of over 12 million people, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. International observers have characterized the situation in Darfur, where heinous acts of genocide and the use of sexual violence as a weapon during wartime have been reported. Recent aggression from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aiming to gain control of strategic locations, has intensified the crisis.
Just days ago, the RSF launched relentless attacks on camps housing displaced individuals close to el-Fasher, with an intention to capture the last state capital in Darfur held by opposing forces—the Sudanese army. The Zamzam camp, sheltering roughly 500,000 displaced individuals, has reportedly suffered systematic destruction due to arson initiated by RSF forces. This assessment comes from the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab, which has scrutinized satellite imagery detailing the extent of damage to the camp.
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, condemned the violence, noting, “There’s a brazenness that characterizes these acts.” Eyewitness accounts describe horrifying incidents, including RSF militants raping women and asserting ownership over them by stating, “We are your men now.” The acts of violence, compounded by feelings of terror and helplessness among civilians, highlight the urgent need for accountability in the ongoing conflict.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reports a significant influx of people fleeing to the town of Tawila in North Darfur, with many arriving in critical condition after days without food or water. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, including acts of robbery by armed groups during their escape and the heart-wrenching decision to leave ill family members behind, unable to transport them.
As this conference unfolds, crucial international players, including the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU), are collaborating to unify efforts and address the humanitarian needs in Sudan. Representatives from neither of Sudan’s primary factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces or the RSF—are present at the talks, although regional allies, some of which are accused of inciting violence, including the United Arab Emirates, are participating.
The ongoing power struggle, sparked by discord between the army and RSF concerning the country’s governance, has led to widespread violence since its inception on April 15, 2023. As the AU’s envoy, Bankole Adeoye, stated in London, there is no military resolution to this crisis; an immediate cessation of hostilities is imperative, followed by inclusive dialogue to pave the way for peace.
This ministerial conference symbolizes the convergence of diplomatic aspirations and humanitarian urgencies, intending to promote a collaborative international response that can mitigate the atrocities faced by the Sudanese people and foster a resolution to this protracted conflict, which has had lasting and devastating impacts on countless lives.