UAE Calls For Concrete And Collective Action To Address Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis At London Conference

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, led the country's delegation at the Sudan Conference in London. This event was co-hosted by the UK, Germany, France, the African Union, and the European Union. It gathered foreign ministers and high-level representatives from various countries and international organisations to discuss Sudan's ongoing crisis.

During her address, Nusseibeh highlighted the severe impact of Sudan's conflict on its people. She mentioned atrocities like systematic sexual violence and chemical weapon use. The UAE has condemned these acts and called for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, including recent attacks on civilians in Darfur.

Nusseibeh emphasised the need for a mechanism to monitor arms flow into Sudan. She urged collective action to build a peaceful future for the country. "To secure and sustain peace in Sudan we must have a viable political process with a clear end game – the transition to an independent, civilian-led government independent from military control," she stated.

The UAE insists that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) nor the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) represent Sudan's people or can bring stability. A civilian-driven process is essential for meaningful change. Nusseibeh called for new mechanisms to tackle security threats and ensure aid delivery.

Addressing regional aspects of the conflict, Nusseibeh noted that lasting peace requires addressing wider regional risks. "Our approach must recognise that Sudan does not exist in isolation," she said. Preventing extremism and terrorism from taking root is crucial for supporting Sudan’s future.

Nusseibeh also stressed a unified international stance against using sovereignty claims to justify starvation or hinder humanitarian access. "Sudan’s civilians deserve protection, access, and accountability," she asserted. The UAE has provided over US$600 million in humanitarian aid since the conflict began.

Empowering Women and Combating Extremism

Nusseibeh highlighted collective efforts needed to combat extremism and terrorism in Sudan. This includes countering hate speech and discrimination while ensuring women's full participation in politics. She noted their role in inspiring the 2018 transition to civilian rule.

She reiterated that without a coherent international effort towards a credible political process, progress remains elusive. "This moment demands principled leadership and sustained international resolve," she concluded.

Bilateral Meetings During UK Visit

During her UK visit, Nusseibeh held bilateral meetings with several officials including David Lammy from the UK Foreign Office, Peter Lord from the US Bureau of African Affairs, Annett Weber from the EU, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi from Kenya, Jean-Noël Barrot from France, and Mirjana Spoljaric from ICRC.

The UAE delegation included Mansour Belhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK; and Maha Yaqoot Harqoos from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' South Africa affairs department.

With inputs from WAM