The European Union and the United Kingdom pledged increased aid to Sudan on Tuesday during a conference in London marking two years since the start of a brutal conflict that has displaced millions and devastated the country.
The UK announced an additional £120 million ($158 million) in humanitarian support, while the EU and member states committed over €522 million ($592 million). British Foreign Secretary David Lammy opened the conference, emphasizing the need for coordinated international action and urging warring factions to protect civilians and allow access for humanitarian aid.
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“We do need patient diplomacy,” Lammy said. “We cannot resign ourselves to inevitable conflict. We cannot be back here, one year from now, having the same discussion.”
The conflict, which began in April 2023 as a power struggle between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has killed tens of thousands and drawn in regional powers. Areas such as Darfur have suffered widespread devastation.
Britain is co-hosting the conference with the African Union, European Union, France, and Germany. Egypt, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates are among the attendees.
However, the Sudanese government criticized the conference, noting no representatives from either side of the conflict were invited. Sudan’s foreign minister also objected to the inclusion of the UAE and Kenya—accusing the UAE of arming the RSF and denouncing Kenya for hosting RSF-aligned talks.
The UAE has denied the arms allegations and requested the case brought against it at the International Court of Justice be dismissed. UAE official Lana Nusseibeh acknowledged atrocities committed by both sides and called for peace as the war enters its third year.
Reuters.
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