Sudan FM criticises London conference exclusion, briefs UK media on conflict
April 14, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssif, held a virtual press conference on Monday with prominent British media outlets, renewing sharp criticism of an international conference on Sudan convening in London on Tuesday, with participation from the European Union (EU), Germany and France.
The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 13 million people, some fleeing into neighbouring countries and causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU).
Minister Youssif provided a comprehensive briefing on the situation in Sudan, accusing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of continued aggression backed by blatant external support, he said.
He pointed to recent attacks the government blames on the RSF targeting the Abu Shouk and Zamzam displaced persons’ camps near El Fasher, calling them an attempt to use civilians as human shields to seize the city. He claimed the attacks coincided with the London conference and were part of a plan to divide Sudan.
The minister asserted that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) control most of the country, except for parts of Darfur and Kordofan states and limited pockets in south Omdurman, adding that SAF operations to protect civilians were ongoing.
He accused the RSF of using drones operated by external parties to target vital services after being pushed out of Khartoum, calling the attacks a “fully-fledged crime”.
Regarding the London conference, Minister Youssif expressed his government’s resentment at not being invited, despite UK assurances that the meeting would focus on humanitarian issues.
He specifically criticised the invitation of the United Arab Emirates, Chad and Kenya, countries he described as linked to supporting the RSF.
He stated that Sudan’s position had been conveyed in a formal letter to the British Foreign Secretary, and confirmed that friendly nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar would express Sudan’s viewpoint at the conference.
Responding to journalists, Youssif accused the UAE of being the RSF’s “main supporter”, Chad of opening its territory for logistical support, and Kenya of hosting conferences to undermine Sudan’s unity.
He also noted that the previous British government had blocked discussion of a Sudanese complaint against the UAE at the UN Security Council (UNSC).
On humanitarian aid, the Sudanese top diplomat affirmed the government’s openness to cooperation and facilitating access through all available corridors. He denied any violations by the SAF, calling it a national and professional army. He claimed Sudan possessed “documented and conclusive evidence” of systematic RSF crimes against humanity.
The minister reiterated Sudan’s readiness for a ceasefire, conditional on the RSF withdrawing from occupied areas, halting its operations, and surrendering heavy weapons, noting a roadmap detailing these arrangements had been submitted to the UN.