Sudan

In a debate in the House of Commons, the Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds, provided an urgent update on the humanitarian and political crisis unfolding in Sudan. She described the devastating scenes of suffering and starvation she witnessed during a recent visit to South Sudan, where over half a million internally displaced people in the Zamzam camp are facing a man-made famine, with 100 deaths from starvation per day. The Minister outlined the UK's response, including an additional £15 million in aid, bringing the total to £97 million this financial year. She emphasized the UK's role as penholder at the UN Security Council and its efforts to support peace talks, while condemning the warring parties' refusal to engage constructively. The Minister also highlighted the UK's work to elevate the voices of Sudanese civil society and women, and to pressure regional actors not to worsen the conflict. In response, Dame Harriett Baldwin, the former Africa Minister, praised the Government's focus on the crisis but urged even greater urgency and attention. She questioned the progress on follow-up talks after last month's failed negotiations, and called for the UK to convene influential regional players to address the growing influence of Russia in the region. Throughout the debate, members from across the House expressed grave concern over the scale of the humanitarian disaster, with over 10 million internally displaced, 4 million of them children, and half the population in need of food aid. Speakers highlighted the devastating impact on women and girls, including widespread sexual violence, and the need to protect children caught in the conflict. The debate covered a range of topics, including the importance of securing humanitarian access, the UK's diplomatic efforts to pressure the warring parties, the economic impact on neighbouring countries like South Sudan, and the need to gather evidence of war crimes and human rights abuses. Ultimately, the members emphasized the urgency of the situation and the imperative for the UK government to use all available levers to end the conflict and alleviate the immense suffering of the Sudanese people.