The London Protest: Reflections on Sudan’s Ongoing Conflict and the Role of the International Community
By: Mohamed Badawi
A number of international community actors, including individuals and organizations, were shocked by the London protest targeting former Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Adam Hamdok in front of the Royal Institute on October 30, 2024. A common question that likely came to mind for many was, Why target Hamdok? rather than channeling these efforts toward stopping the war in Sudan, especially by those enjoying the privileges and services in one of the world’s greatest kingdoms?
I won’t offer direct answers because the response speaks for itself: it highlights the exercise of freedom of expression—a right I could not enjoy in Sudan, even prior to the war, whether in opposition to the National Congress Party or any of the generals during the transitional period.
I don’t wish, nor do I have the right, to judge the motives behind the crowd’s actions. However, I find it essential to attempt to understand their intent, especially when the protest appears to oppose democratic voices calling for an end to the war, indirectly suggesting support for its continuation.
This event emphasizes the gap within the international community in fulfilling its role regarding the Sudanese conflict, creating a platform for anti-peace actors to advocate against efforts aimed at ending the war. This also reflects a disconnect among Sudanese political parties and intellectual forces in achieving any unified stance that could amplify the voices of civilians, the true victims of this conflict.
Furthermore, the preoccupation of well-known academics and writers with supporting or justifying the war parties’ positions legitimizes the war’s continuation. It also reveals an erosion of democratic culture within the very forces expected to champion the end of the conflict.
Moreover, the international community’s prolonged silence regarding attacks on Sudan’s transitional period whether by the Sudanese Armed Forces, Rapid Support Forces generals, or hidden influences from the Islamic Movement has been troubling.
Social media activists have started identifying some participants in the London protest, with allegations surfacing of certain individuals being previously convicted of serious crimes, including sexual offenses, and managing to flee Sudan following the April 15, 2023, outbreak of war. This has led to questions about the potential for illegal migration to London and other countries.
The protest demonstrates that the Sudanese conflict revolves around power and resources, showing that there is support for actions against democratic leaders or calls to end the war, even outside Sudan.
Finally, the London protest and its implications require deep discussion on the international community’s role in ending the war in the heart of Africa. This goes beyond merely identifying participants and their roles; it raises questions about those funding and fueling undemocratic movements and the sources behind them.