UAE calls for 'concrete, collective action' to save lives in Sudan

The UAE has reiterated its call for "concrete, collective action" to save lives in Sudan at a high-level international conference in London.

Heading the UAE delegation, Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, said the transition to a "civilian-led government independent from military control" is the only way to "secure and sustain peace in Sudan".

"The UAE is unequivocal: neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) represents the people of Sudan and neither can bring stability to Sudan," she added. 

"Only a Sudanese-led, civilian-driven process rooted in civilian and independent leadership can deliver meaningful change." To develop this roadmap, she argued that the international community needs to "create new mechanisms that can deliver real impact", including new measures to tackle security threats and end the obstruction of aid.

The UK co-hosted the one-day London Sudan Conference along with Germany, France, the African Union and the European Union. It saw foreign ministers and humanitarian leaders come together to mark the second year of the Sudan conflict.

During the conference, Nusseibeh outlined the consequences of the conflict that the Sudanese people continue to endure, including widespread atrocities, the reported use of chemical weapons, and obstruction and weaponisation of humanitarian assistance, and condemned acts that violate international humanitarian law.

The minister sought for a mechanism to monitor the flow of arms into Sudan, and urged "concrete and collective action to build a peaceful, unified, and hopeful future for the country". 

Looking at the regional dimension of the conflict, Nusseibeh said, "Our approach must recognise that Sudan does not exist in isolation and that lasting peace requires addressing wider regional risks... Preventing these networks from taking root is integral to any serious effort to support Sudan’s future."

She also urged the UN to adopt a more robust response in the face of the systematic obstruction and weaponisation of food aid, adding that the Sudanese "deserve protection, access and accountability and we need to do much more".

Lana Nusseibeh also underlined during her statement the importance of achieving and sustaining the full participation of women, and supporting their full, equal, and meaningful inclusion in the political process.

In conclusion, she reiterated the demand for "principled leadership and sustained international resolve".

Since the outbreak of the conflict, the UAE has provided over $600 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries. The country remains committed to standing by the Sudanese people and to working with international partners to alleviate suffering and advance peace.