A high-level international conference held in London on Tuesday called for immediate collective action to end the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has led to thousands of deaths and displaced
millions.
Marking two years since the conflict began, the UK co-hosted the summit alongside the African Union, EU, France, and Germany. Foreign ministers and humanitarian leaders emphasized the need to de-escalate the violence and push for peace.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced £120 million ($158.4 million) in new aid to support over 650,000 Sudanese civilians. Yet he stressed that “a lack of political will” remains the greatest barrier to progress.
“Many have given up on Sudan. That is wrong,” Lammy said, condemning atrocities such as beheadings, sexual violence against children, and widespread famine. “We cannot look away.”
Lammy urged the warring parties to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access, and commit to peace. He emphasized the importance of preserving Sudan’s sovereignty and helping displaced people return home.
A push for a Sudanese-led peace process
African Union Commissioner Bankole Adeoye called the conference “a landmark moment” and advocated for a Sudanese-led path to lasting peace and democratic governance.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed this call, warning that the situation is deteriorating daily. He pledged an additional €50 million ($56.6 million) and urged international actors to halt military support to either side in the conflict.
“The unity of Sudan must be preserved,” Barrot said.
Humanitarian crisis reaches critical point
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the crisis as catastrophic, noting that 30 million people in Sudan now depend on aid. She announced €125 million ($141.7 million) in new funding and called for immediate steps to protect critical infrastructure.
“All external actors must work toward de-escalation,” Baerbock stressed. “If this war continues, no one wins — humanity loses.”
EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib highlighted the scale of the crisis, with over €282.5 million already committed in humanitarian and development aid. But she warned that funding alone is not enough.
“This is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world,” she said. “We need coordinated, collective action.”
War’s toll continues to rise
Since April 2023, Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a brutal struggle for power. Over 20,000 people have been killed and 15 million displaced, according to UN figures, though some estimates put the death toll closer to 130,000.
Recently, the RSF has lost ground to government forces, but the conflict rages on with no clear resolution in sight. Photo by Henry Wilkins/VOA, Wikimedia commons.