UK-Led Sudan Conference Ends Without Consensus as Arab States Refuse to Back Ceasefire Contact Group

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

A British-led international conference aimed at launching a diplomatic contact group to facilitate a ceasefire in Sudan ended in disappointment on Tuesday, as key Arab nations refused to endorse a joint communique. The development marks a significant setback in ongoing global efforts to resolve Sudan’s two-year civil war.

The one-day summit, hosted in London, was intended to foster political alignment among international stakeholders. However, deep divisions between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates over language concerning Sudan’s future prevented the formation of a unified position.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed regret over the outcome but maintained that the conference helped strengthen global resolve to support peace in Sudan. “This was not about pledging aid or mediation, but about forging consensus,” Lammy said. “It’s disappointing, but we made progress in highlighting the urgency for action.”

Despite the lack of a joint communique, a co-chairs’ statement was issued by the UK, France, Germany, the EU, and the African Union, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. The statement also opposed any potential partition of Sudan.

The ongoing war, which began in April 2023. Both factions have been accused of committing severe human rights violations, including attacks on civilians, widespread sexual violence, and obstruction of humanitarian aid.

In recent days, RSF forces captured two major refugee camps in Darfur, intensifying fears of a repeat of the early 2000s genocide. El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur not under RSF control, is now under imminent threat.

While the UAE condemned recent RSF attacks and called for an unconditional ceasefire, accusations of external military support for both sides continue to cloud diplomatic efforts. Sudan’s official government, excluded from the conference, criticized the UK for inviting countries it accuses of fueling the conflict.