Sudanese protesters demonstrated outside a London conference addressing their country’s crisis, expressing frustration over their exclusion from the discussions.
The conference, focused on finding solutions to Sudan’s devastating conflict, sparked outrage among Sudanese citizens who felt their voices weren’t being heard.
The conflict, now in its second year, has left nearly half of Sudan’s population in dire need of humanitarian aid, with 25 million people struggling to survive. The crisis began as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), but has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian disaster.
“We are the ones who are suffering, who are dying, who are displaced,” said one protester. “We need to be part of the solution, not just spectators.” The protesters demanded a seat at the negotiating table, calling for inclusive talks that represent Sudan’s diverse population.
The UK, one of the conference’s key organizers, has pledged to double its aid to Sudan to £89 million in 2024-25. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict. “The international community has a responsibility to act,” said Andrew Mitchell, the UK’s Minister for International Development and Africa. “We cannot afford to let Sudan become a forgotten crisis.”
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, echoed these concerns, urging the international community not to forget Sudan. “Sudan keeps getting forgotten by the international community,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for support ¹.