What's happened
On April 15, 2025, a London conference aimed to unify international responses to the ongoing Sudan crisis, despite Sudan's absence. The EU and UK pledged significant aid, while Sudan criticized the gathering for excluding its representatives amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian needs.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- International Response: The conference reflects a growing urgency among Western nations to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with pledges exceeding 522 million euros from the EU and 120 million pounds from the UK.
- Sudan's Criticism: Sudan's government has expressed discontent over its exclusion, highlighting tensions with nations like the UAE, accused of supporting the RSF. This exclusion raises questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of international efforts without local representation.
- Humanitarian Needs: With 30 million people in need of aid, the conference aims to establish principles for future engagement, emphasizing the necessity for patient diplomacy to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
- War Crimes Allegations: The submission of a dossier outlining alleged war crimes by the RSF to UK authorities indicates a potential shift towards accountability, which could influence international perceptions and actions regarding the conflict.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, the London conference was co-hosted by the UK and the EU, aiming to improve the coherence of the international response to the Sudan crisis. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the need for patient diplomacy, stating, "We cannot resign ourselves to inevitable conflict." Meanwhile, Sudan's foreign minister criticized the conference for excluding Sudanese representatives, arguing that it undermines the legitimacy of the discussions. The UAE's involvement has also been contentious, with Sudan accusing it of arming the RSF, a claim supported by UN experts. This complex interplay of international relations and local grievances underscores the challenges in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan.
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to widespread violence and displacement. The situation has worsened, prompting international calls for coordinated humanitarian aid.
Go deeper
- What are the main humanitarian needs in Sudan?
- How has the international community responded to the conflict?
- What are the implications of Sudan's exclusion from the conference?
More on these topics