The United Kingdom is set to bring a resolution before the United Nations Security Council on Monday, urging Sudan’s warring factions to halt hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need, the UK Foreign Ministry has confirmed.
As the current holder of the rotating presidency of the council, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will chair the vote on a resolution co-authored with Sierra Leone.
The draft resolution calls for an immediate cessation of fighting, enhanced civilian protection, and the facilitation of aid deliveries in the war-torn nation.
In his speech, Lammy will emphasise the UK’s unwavering commitment to Sudan, stating that “the UK will never let Sudan be forgotten” and announce a doubling of Britain’s aid to 226 million pounds ($285 million), according to a statement from his ministry.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ahead of a planned transition to civilian governance.
The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and created the world’s largest displacement crisis, with millions of Sudanese fleeing their homes.
The UK/Sierra Leone draft resolution urges the conflicting parties to “immediately cease hostilities and engage in good faith” in order to de-escalate the situation and agree to a national ceasefire. It also calls for the establishment of humanitarian pauses to allow safe passage for civilians and the delivery of essential aid.
Meanwhile, the resolution faces opposition from Russia, which vetoed a similar UN Security Council measure earlier this week. Russia’s veto blocked the draft resolution, which had been supported by all other 14 members of the Security Council, including China.
Lammy described Russia’s veto as “mean, nasty, and cynical,” criticising the move for sending a message to the warring parties in Sudan that they could act with impunity. He added that the veto demonstrated Russia’s true stance on peace efforts.
The UN estimates that nearly 25 million people in Sudan, half the population, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Famine has swept across displacement camps, and over 11 million people have fled their homes, with more than 3 million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.
