In a significant commitment to alleviate the suffering of millions in Sudan, the British government announced on Tuesday an additional £120 million (approximately $158 million) in humanitarian aid. This announcement coincides with a conference held in London to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the devastating conflict that erupted in April 2023, a strife born from a fierce power struggle between the Sudanese Army and the country's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

The ongoing conflict has plunged Sudan into what is described as the worst humanitarian crisis in the nation’s history, displacing millions and wreaking havoc on critical regions, particularly Darfur, where the RSF is embroiled in fierce battles to fortify its position amidst escalating military actions in the capital, Khartoum.

The conference—co-hosted by Britain in collaboration with the African Union, the European Union, France, and Germany—aimed to enhance the international community's response to the crisis, although the absence of an invitation extended to the Sudanese government drew sharp criticism. 

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, addressing the pressing situation, stated that the ongoing war has dragged on for far too long and lamented, “Much of the world continues to look away.” He emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent the crisis from devolving into a full-scale catastrophe, underlining the alarming disregard combatants have shown for the lives of Sudanese civilians. 

In a pointed message reflecting Sudan’s displeasure, Sudanese Foreign Minister visited Lammy's office to voice concerns over the exclusion of Sudan from the conference while simultaneously condemning the participation of both the UAE and Kenya. Sudan’s government has charged the UAE with providing arms to the RSF—a claim that has been met with denial from the UAE but has been deemed credible by UN experts and U.S. lawmakers. Additionally, following Kenya's recent talks with the RSF to establish a parallel government, Sudan has responded by recalling its envoy from Nairobi.

Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, reiterated the importance of inclusivity in the peace process, stating that “achieving peace in Sudan depends on valuing every voice and everyone playing a role in building a prosperous Sudan.”

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; British officials revealed staggering statistics revealing that around 30 million people in Sudan are in dire need of humanitarian aid, with 12 million displaced as famine escalates throughout the region. This latest financial pledge follows a prior announcement in November for a separate £113 million aid package, during which Lammy visited Sudan’s border with Chad to witness the mounting humanitarian crisis firsthand.

However, the backdrop of these pledges is a contentious political landscape in Britain, where the government has recently cut foreign aid budgets to accommodate increased military expenditures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to sustaining aid for victims of the Sudanese conflict, positioned as one of his primary humanitarian priorities alongside crises in Gaza and Ukraine, faces considerable challenges. His development minister’s resignation over the practical impossibility of maintaining these aid commitments amidst budget cuts has spurred debates regarding Britain’s international reputation and responsibility.

In a pivotal move towards justice, lawyers representing Sudanese victims have submitted a comprehensive 141-page dossier detailing alleged war crimes committed by the RSF to the UK police's special war crimes unit. They urged the police to pass this dossier along to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which holds jurisdiction over atrocity crimes in Darfur. By routing the file through UK law enforcement rather than sending it directly to the ICC, the legal team aims to foster cooperation between the two entities and motivate a robust response to accountability in Darfur.

As Britain steps up its humanitarian support for Sudan amidst a landscape of complex geopolitical tensions, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to what has become a heartbreaking saga of suffering and strife.