A UK-led conference in London aims to chart a ‘pathway to end the suffering and the appalling disregard for human life’ in Sudan, bringing together ministers from 14 countries and representatives from international organizations to seek sustainable solutions.
A Pathway to End Suffering in Sudan
The UK has convened a conference in London to map out a ‘pathway to end the suffering and the appalling disregard for human life’ in Sudan, which has been embroiled in a civil war since April 2023. The one-day conference is being co-hosted by the UK, France, Germany, the EU, and the African Union, and attended by ministers from 14 other countries, as well as representatives from bodies including the UN.
Located in northeastern Africa, Sudan is a country with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations.
The Nile River runs through the country, providing fertile soil for agriculture.
Sudan has been home to various cultures, including the Nubians, who built impressive pyramids along the Nile.
The capital city, Khartoum, is a blend of traditional and modern architecture.
With over 40 million people, Sudan is one of Africa's most populous countries.
The Nature of the Conflict
The conflict stems from a power struggle between the army – led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan – and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, 13 million displaced people, and large parts of the country pushed into famine.
Exclusion of Key Actors
The conference has been criticized for excluding Sudan’s government from the meeting, while inviting the UAE, which is accused by Sudan and others of arming the RSF. The UAE minister for political affairs, Lana Nusseibeh, attended the conference and condemned recent RSF attacks on refugee camps.
International Response
International organizations have called for an unconditional ceasefire, an end to obstruction of humanitarian aid, and a transition to an independent civilian-led government. Aid and human rights groups have urged the international community to punish countries accused of sending arms to the warring parties in breach of a UN arms embargo.
Humanitarian aid refers to assistance provided to individuals or communities affected by conflicts, natural disasters, or poverty.
It includes food, shelter, medical care, and other essential services.
According to the United Nations, over 134 million people require humanitarian assistance worldwide.
Humanitarian organizations work tirelessly to deliver aid, often in challenging environments.
Their efforts focus on saving lives, alleviating suffering, and promoting self-reliance.
UK’s Role
The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has announced an extra £120m in humanitarian aid from the depleted UK Foreign Office aid budget, enough to help deliver food to 650,000 Sudanese people. However, the nature of US cuts to its aid programme has raised concerns about the impact on Sudan.
Diplomatic Efforts
Behind-the-scenes talks at the conference between diplomats from Egypt and the UAE were under way to agree neutral wording that satisfied both parties. The aim is to persuade Middle Eastern states to focus on diplomacy rather than strengthening the warring factions.
The Road Ahead
The conference’s objectives are modest, with a focus on seeking agreement on an African Union-led international contact group and renewed commitments to end restrictions on aid. However, some fear that the country may be heading for a form of partition based around the current areas of control.
The African Union (AU) was established in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
The AU has 55 member states and is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Its main objectives include promoting economic integration, peace, and security on the continent.
The AU's decision-making body is the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which meets annually.
The organization also has specialized agencies such as the African Development Bank and the Pan African Parliament.
- theguardian.com | UK conference hopes to map ‘pathway to end suffering’ in Sudan
