UK envoy meets Burhan, says London talks aim for peace, not imposition
April 9, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Britain’s Special Envoy to Sudan said on Wednesday an upcoming London conference aims to support Sudan and foster peace, not impose external solutions, following Sudanese objections to the meeting.
Sudan has objected to the conference organised by the European Union (EU), Britain (UK), Germany and France, scheduled for April 15 in London. Khartoum says it was not invited, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kenya and Chad – countries Sudan accuses of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against the army – are set to attend.
The statement came after Sovereignty Council President General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met UK envoy Richard Crowder in Port Sudan on Wednesday. Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Hussein Al-Amin also attended.
Crowder said the international community would unite to support Sudan, according to a Sovereignty Council statement. He noted Britain’s foreign minister would host EU and African Union (AU) counterparts next week in the largest international gathering for Sudan since a Paris conference in 2024.
The conference aimed to bring peace and end Sudanese suffering, not “impose external solutions,” he added, stressing no Sudanese political groups were invited.
The British dilopmat called the meeting with Burhan “a timely opportunity for diplomacy and dialogue” as Sudan approaches the second anniversary of the conflict this month.
The envoy noted recent army advances could open a “new phase” for citizens but stressed the urgent need to protect civilians in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur state.
The RSF has tightened its nearly year-long siege on El Fasher, causing severe shortages and price hikes, amid reports it is mobilising fighters for a new offensive. Conditions in El Fasher and nearby displacement camps like Zamzam and Abu Shouk have worsened since aid agencies suspended work, citing rising malnutrition and lack of medicines.
Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Al-Amin said Burhan told the envoy that the international community needed to address suffering caused by “violations committed by the RSF and their supporters” and halt abuses in El Fasher, rather than holding conferences.
Burhan also urged Britain to use its position on the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) to “change the stereotypical perception” of the crisis, Al-Amin said. He called on London to adjust its stance based on historical ties, adding Sudan welcomes international efforts addressing “core issues”.
Sudan has previously criticised Britain, particularly over the handling of a UNSC session scheduled for April 2024 meant to discuss alleged UAE arms supplies to the RSF, which was later changed to broader deliberations. Burhan also noted the RSF’s non-compliance with a UNSC resolution demanding an end to the El Fasher siege.
Separately, a diaspora group, the “Gathering of Honourable Sudanese Abroad,” welcomed Crowder’s assurances on the conference’s humanitarian focus and exclusion of political groups. The group said it interpreted the envoy’s remarks as appreciating the army’s role and announced plans for a “Dignity Demonstration” outside the London venue to reject the “whitewashing” of RSF supporters like the UAE and any “marginalisation” of the government.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was expected on Thursday to begin considering a case filed by Sudan against the UAE alleging involvement in genocide by the RSF against the Masalit ethnic group in West Darfur.