The foreign ministers of Germany, Jordan, and the UK have collectively called for an urgent ceasefire in Sudan, dubbing the humanitarian situation as “desperate” and akin to an “apocalyptic” scenario. This appeal follows the alarming capture of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and a surge in civilian casualties. The plea for peace was made during the First Plenary Session of Manama Dialogue 2025 hosted in Bahrain.
UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Yvette Cooper highlighted the stark contrast between progress in Gaza and the persistent despair in Sudan. She lamented the global failure to adequately address the humanitarian catastrophe and the deeply troubling violence occurring in Sudan. Cooper condemned the use of atrocities, mass executions, and rape as a weapon of war, emphasizing how these actions have contributed to making this conflict one of the largest humanitarian crises of the 21st century.
Further adding to the complexity of the crisis, Cooper criticized Russia for its veto of UN Security Council resolutions that sought to facilitate humanitarian aid to Sudan. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also expressed dismay over the international community’s silence on the conflict.
The entrenched impunity fueling the human rights abuses in Sudan was underscored by a report from the UN Human Rights Office earlier this year. The conflict, ignited in April 2023, originates from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. This clash has spiraled into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian disasters, leading to widespread displacement, famine, and gender-based violence, with at least 3,384 civilian deaths reported in the first half of 2025. More details can be found in a comprehensive update here.
Complicating the crisis further are allegations of the UAE supplying weapons to the RSF, intensifying the conflict in the Darfur region. The International Court of Justice dismissed Sudan’s allegations against the UAE over jurisdictional issues.
Experts attribute part of the conflict’s persistence to the proliferation of hate speech rooted in Sudan’s diverse ethnic and cultural history, which exacerbates the violence. The shared concern voiced by Germany, Jordan, and the UK amplifies UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher’s recent appeal for a ceasefire in El Fasher, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention.
This call for peace represents a significant plea from these nations amid a global backdrop of daunting humanitarian challenges. The shared commitment from these countries aims to bring attention and action to a conflict that threatens to further destabilize the region.