Sudan demands UK policy shift for improved ties
December 12, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, criticized the UK government on Thursday, demanding a change in its foreign policy towards Sudan as a prerequisite for improved relations.
Agar’s comments came during a meeting with Richard Crowder, Head of the UK Office for Sudan and UK Special Representative, who is visiting Port Sudan for talks with senior officials.
“Sudan is ready to open a new page with the UK under the new government if it changes the way it manages its foreign files related to Sudan,” Agar told Crowder, according to a statement from the Sovereign Council.
Agar denounced the UK’s role as penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council and its alleged support for the United Arab Emirates’ position. Sudan previously accused the UK of shielding the UAE from criticism at the UN regarding its alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of war crimes. In April and May 2024, the UK intervened to postpone and defer discussion of Sudan’s formal complaint against the UAE..
“If Britain wants to end the suffering of the Sudanese people, it must communicate with the UAE to stop the logistical support it provides to the militia,” Agar said, referring to the RSF.
In November, Britain and Sierra Leone presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council on the protection of Sudanese civilians. The resolution received support from 14 members but was vetoed by Russia.
Agar emphasized Sudan’s dissatisfaction with the UK’s negative stance and lack of support for the Sudanese people, calling for respect for the country’s sovereignty.
He framed the ongoing conflict not as a fight between two generals but as a war waged against the Sudanese people to occupy their land.
Agar downplayed the need for humanitarian aid, saying Sudan “needs to protect its people and defend its sovereignty and lands from occupation, as aid cannot bring the dead back to life.”
He also dismissed reports of famine in Sudan as “false propaganda” and accused unnamed international actors of attempting to “encircle the country and curb the will of its people.”
The United Nations declared a famine in the Zamzam camp for displaced people in North Darfur State in August. An estimated 25.6 million people in Sudan are currently suffering from severe hunger as a result of the conflict.