As Sudan plunges deeper into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, the UK is stepping up its calls for peace. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to urge a halt to the violence at a pivotal Berlin conference marking the third anniversary of the ongoing conflict. However, analysts warn that meaningful progress may be elusive.
A Call for Ceasefire
During the summit on Wednesday, Cooper plans to advocate for an immediate ceasefire between the warring factions, namely the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). With the conflict now entering its fourth devastating year, she emphasised the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to alleviate the suffering of millions. “Today, in Berlin, I will call for the international community to join in a shared resolve: to secure a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution, to stop the suffering, and allow the people of Sudan to determine their own peaceful future,” Cooper stated.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with more than 19 million people currently facing acute hunger, and some regions teetering on the brink of famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has reported alarming “emergency” hunger levels in North Kordofan, West Kordofan, South Kordofan, and North Darfur. With the number of those in need expected to surge to between 22 and 23 million, the international community’s response has fallen woefully short—only 16% of the required humanitarian funding has been met.
Funding Boost Amidst Ongoing Conflict
In a bid to alleviate some of the immediate suffering, Cooper is expected to announce a doubling of UK aid to £15 million, targeting frontline responders and grassroots organisations like Emergency Response Rooms. This funding is crucial, yet it underscores the stark reality that without an end to the violence, substantial financial aid may ultimately prove futile.
Despite the dire circumstances, peace seems far off. Political momentum has stalled, with ongoing talks among the so-called Quad nations—led by the US, alongside Egypt and Saudi Arabia supporting the army, and the UAE backing the RSF—yielding little in terms of tangible results. Relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have soured, particularly following clashes in Yemen that reflected deeper rifts over their respective interests.
An Uncertain Future
Experts predict that the conflict will likely escalate, particularly in the Kordofan region, which has become a battleground. Paul Byars, Sudan director of the Danish Refugee Council, expressed concern about the ongoing territorial struggles: “I think there’ll be a worsening of the conflict in the Kordofan. Neither side will give up, which means they’ll keep taking and retaking territory.”
The use of technology, especially drones, has exacerbated the violence, with the UN reporting nearly 700 civilian casualties from drone strikes since January. This trend raises alarm bells as the country braces for the forthcoming rainy season, a period that traditionally sees a reduction in hostilities.
Why it Matters
The situation in Sudan is not just a regional concern but a global humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention. The inability to secure peace not only perpetuates suffering but also risks destabilising the region further, leading to broader implications for international security and humanitarian norms. As the Berlin conference unfolds, the world watches closely—hoping for action but fearing the inevitable continuation of a conflict that has already claimed too many lives.
