An international conference convened in London to address the escalating crisis in Sudan concluded on Tuesday without a unified statement, as divisions among key Arab states derailed efforts to present a coordinated global response.
Led by the United Kingdom, the gathering aimed to establish a contact group under the African Union’s leadership and strengthen diplomatic alignment among nations with stakes in Sudan’s future. However, diplomatic sources confirmed that disagreements over language in the final communiqué—particularly between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—led to a breakdown in consensus.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia reportedly objected to phrasing perceived as indirectly criticizing the UAE, which Sudan accuses of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE denies the accusation, but tensions among the Arab participants prevented a collective endorsement of the document.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who spearheaded the event, had hoped to forge a diplomatic framework to support Sudan’s political transition and bring an end to the devastating conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced since April 2023.
In the absence of a unified communique, the co-chairs of the conference—the UK, France, Germany, the African Union, and the European Union—released a joint statement pledging support for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and a path to civilian-led governance. They also condemned foreign interference and rejected the formation of parallel administrations within Sudan.
The event was not designed to serve as a mediation or donor conference, but rather as a platform for strategic coordination. However, Sudan’s government voiced discontent over being excluded from the talks, particularly while the UAE—a state it accuses of fueling the conflict—was invited.
The co-chairs concluded the summit by committing to further collaboration through existing multilateral channels, including the AU’s Expanded Mechanism, as part of efforts to bring Sudan closer to peace.