As Sudan’s civil war deepens and humanitarian conditions worsen, former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has appealed to the international community to adopt a robust “London Action Plan” that would prioritise a civilian-led path to peace. His plea comes just days before an international humanitarian summit on Sudan, scheduled for April 15 in London and co-hosted by the United Kingdom, the European Union, France, and Germany.
Hamdok warned that the conflict, now nearing its second anniversary, has reached a dangerous tipping point. He reiterated that no military solution exists, urging world leaders to recognise that only a democratic transition can preserve Sudan’s territorial integrity and avert its fragmentation.
In a piece published in the Financial Times, Hamdok outlined the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, while also calling for the formation of a high-level contact group to coordinate peace efforts and support Sudan’s post-war recovery.
Meanwhile, in Port Sudan, Sovereignty Council leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met with UK envoy Richard Crowder, expressing concerns about the upcoming London conference. Sudan’s government has objected to the gathering, saying it was not consulted and criticising the inclusion of countries it accuses of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including the UAE, Kenya, and Chad.
Crowder insisted the summit aimed to alleviate suffering and encourage peace rather than impose external political agendas. He stressed that no Sudanese political factions were invited, and described the event as an opportunity for diplomatic progress.
On the ground, the humanitarian situation in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur, has sharply deteriorated under a near year-long RSF siege. Aid groups report rising malnutrition, medicine shortages, and halted operations in key displacement camps.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, Hussein Al-Amin, said Burhan urged Britain to use its UN Security Council position to address RSF violations, especially in El Fasher, and to revise what he called the “distorted narrative” of the conflict. He also stressed the need to refocus international attention on core issues affecting Sudanese civilians.
Separately, a Sudanese diaspora organisation announced plans for a peaceful demonstration outside the London summit to oppose what they see as attempts to rehabilitate the RSF’s image and exclude the Sudanese government.
In a parallel development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to begin reviewing a case brought by Sudan, accusing the UAE of aiding the RSF in acts of genocide against the Masalit community in West Darfur.
As the conflict drags on and regional tensions mount, Hamdok concluded his appeal by calling the situation in Sudan “a test of global resolve to defend peace, democracy, and human dignity.”