As we remember the victims of El Fasher, the parties need to protect civilians, allow humanitarian assistance to reach those who need it, and choose diplomacy o

One year after El Fasher fell to the Rapid Support Forces, the UK highlights documented atrocities including systematic starvation, torture, killings, and deliberate ethnic targeting. The UN Fact-Finding Mission reports civilians were slaughtered while fleeing, hospitals were attacked, and women and girls faced disproportionate harm. The UK stresses accountability and learning from these events as critical priorities in addressing the crisis.

The UK warns that recent drone strikes and aerial attacks in regions like the Kordofans demonstrate the conflict’s expanding lethality. Infrastructure essential for survival—markets, agriculture, and services—is being destroyed, worsening humanitarian conditions. The IPC has raised the alarm over rising famine risks in Darfur and the Kordofans, where over 33 million people require humanitarian assistance.

The UK calls for an end to external support fuelling the conflict, noting advancing drone capabilities are sustained by external networks. It urges all states to avoid actions that prolong the war and supports strengthening the UN Security Council’s Sudan sanctions regime. The UK also advocates for swift release and publication of the 1591 panel of experts’ final report to increase pressure on those enabling the conflict.

The UK emphasizes the urgent need for a diplomatic solution, urging parties to agree to a humanitarian truce, permanent ceasefire, and inclusive political process. It welcomes efforts by the Quad and Quintet, as well as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, and looks forward to progress at Geneva consultations. The UK underscores that any credible national dialogue must be Sudanese-led and genuinely inclusive to ensure civilian voices are heard.