London talks to thrash out 'pathway to peace' for Sudan

A high-level international conference is starting in London. It aims to find "a pathway to peace" in Sudan. The UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is hosting the event.

Sudan's civil war began two years ago. Aid agencies call it the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The UK is providing an extra $120 million (£91 million) for food and medical aid. Charities report that 30 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance. Many of these individuals are facing hunger.

Over 12 million people have been displaced from their homes. Tens of thousands have died amid reports of rape and ethnic cleansing.

Recently, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked camps for displaced people near el-Fasher. They aim to seize the last state capital in Darfur held by the Sudanese army.

Zamzam camp has sheltered about 500,000 people. However, it is being destroyed by fires set intentionally by RSF forces, according to a Yale School of Public Health report. This report analyzed satellite images of the camp.

The RSF has not responded to these allegations.

Tuesday's conference is co-chaired by the UK, EU, and African Union. Officials want to unite international partners on a common position. Their goal is to increase food and medicine supplies in Sudan and find a "pathway to peace."

Neither main warring party—the Sudanese Armed Forces nor RSF—has been invited. Instead, regional allies will represent them at the conference.

Some diplomats say these allies are fueling the conflict. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is among them and faces accusations of arming the RSF, which it denies.

The war started on April 15, 2023. It arose from a power struggle between the army and RSF leaders over Sudan's political future.