London Conference on Sudan Conflict Ends in Deadlock Amid Arab Disagreements

A high-level conference held in London on April 16, 2025, aimed at resolving Sudan's ongoing two-year conflict, concluded without reaching an agreement. The primary obstacle was the significant differences among key Arab nations—specifically, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—regarding Sudan's future governance.

The UAE advocated for a transition to a civilian-led government, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia preferred to prioritize ending hostilities before addressing governance structures. These differing stances have created a deadlock in peace negotiations. Tensions were further heightened by Sudan's recent accusations against the UAE of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allegations that the UAE denies.

Sudan's current conflict began in April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. This internal strife followed a 2021 coup that disrupted a transitional democratic government established after the ousting of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The war has led to severe humanitarian consequences, including over 20,000 deaths and the displacement of more than 12 million people.

The conflict has precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis. Approximately 25 million people face acute hunger, and nearly a quarter of Sudan's population has been displaced. The war has driven millions into neighboring states and threatens to unleash famine due to disrupted farming and economic collapse. Humanitarian aid is often blocked by warring factions, though recent diplomatic efforts have slightly improved access.

Sudan has accused the UAE of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention by funding and arming the RSF, allegations that the UAE rejects. At the International Court of Justice, the UAE contended that the court lacks jurisdiction and claimed that Sudan is misusing international institutions. Both nations are signatories to the Genocide Convention, but the UAE has a reservation to part of the treaty that may obstruct legal proceedings.

The failure of the London conference underscores the deep divisions among key Arab nations regarding Sudan's future, complicating efforts to achieve a unified approach to peace. The ongoing conflict continues to exacerbate humanitarian crises, with millions facing displacement, hunger, and violence. The international community's inability to broker a resolution highlights the complexities of regional politics and the challenges of aligning diverse national interests toward a common goal.

The failed London summit and Arab divisions pose significant challenges to future peace efforts. The RSF currently holds sway over parts of western Sudan, including Darfur, and is attempting to form a parallel government, though it lacks broad support. The conflict has displaced 13 million people and exacerbated humanitarian crises.

The United Nations has declared Sudan's situation the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The war, which began in April 2023 due to clashes between military and paramilitary forces, has caused the deaths of at least 20,000 people and displaced over 12 million internally and across borders. According to Shaun Hughes of the World Food Program (WFP), nearly 25 million people—half of Sudan's population—are facing extreme hunger, with famine confirmed in 11 areas, including the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. The conflict has severely hindered humanitarian access, particularly to famine-hit zones like El Fasher, which remains under siege. Despite resource constraints, the WFP has tripled its assistance since mid-2024, reaching over 3 million people per month primarily via digital cash transfers. However, reaching its goal to support 7 million people in the next six months requires $650 million in funding, and an additional $150 million is needed for refugees in neighboring countries. Without urgent funding, humanitarian aid will face further cuts, threatening the lives of tens of thousands more.

Up to 400,000 people have been displaced from the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur, Sudan, following its capture by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after a four-day assault, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration. The offensive resulted in over 300 civilian deaths, including 10 aid workers from Relief International. The RSF claims the camp served as a base for army-aligned groups, though rights organizations have warned of potential atrocities if the RSF took control. The camp, which originally housed around half a million people, was already grappling with famine. Satellite imagery confirmed widespread destruction in the area. With the Sudanese army regaining control of the capital Khartoum, the RSF has intensified its attacks, including a drone strike on the Atbara power station, cutting electricity to Port Sudan. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023, derailing hopes for a transition to civilian rule and causing widespread displacement, famine, and devastation across the country.

As Sudan enters the third year of civil war, the nation is experiencing severe humanitarian devastation, with famine and violence escalating amid what the United Nations labels the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Over 13 million people have been displaced, with nearly 4 million fleeing to neighboring countries. The conflict between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), once allies, has turned brutal, particularly in Darfur where RSF attacks on refugee camps have killed over 300 civilians and worsened famine conditions. More than half the country’s 50 million people face acute hunger, and famine has officially been declared in ten locations, with the crisis rapidly spreading. The military’s recent recapture of Khartoum has not resolved the conflict but has instead led to a de facto partition, with neither side capable of a decisive victory. Regional support and complex geopolitics have sustained the RSF’s resilience. Simultaneously, Sudan suffers from disease outbreaks, economic collapse, and underfunded humanitarian efforts. Despite limited access, returning displaced individuals often find their homes destroyed and rely heavily on local aid. The international community is being urged to intervene and broker a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.