The UK is convening a conference to bring together international partners and address the devastating civil war in Sudan. The aim is to forge a unified approach to pressure warring factions towards peace.
The conference will take place at Lancaster House in London on April 15th, marking the second anniversary of the war's start. Notable absences include the warring parties themselves, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The UK's initiative involves urging Middle Eastern allies to cease arming the conflicting parties. Sudan's foreign minister criticized the UK's choice of invitees, citing concerns about the UAE and others' involvement in the conflict. Accusations of war crimes against both the SAF and RSF are also prominent.
The conference aims to address not only the ceasefire but also the broader humanitarian crisis and civilian protection. Concerns surrounding USAID aid cuts, monitoring group defunding, and the severe impact on communication networks are highlighted as critical elements to consider.