The United Kingdom has announced an additional £5 million ($6.57 million) in humanitarian aid for Sudan following what it described as “truly horrifying” reports of atrocities committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their takeover of El-Fasher.
The RSF, which has been engaged in a brutal conflict with Sudan’s army since April 2023, captured El-Fasher last Sunday — the army’s final stronghold in the western Darfur region. The city’s fall followed an 18-month siege marked by heavy bombardment, starvation, and widespread civilian suffering.
Speaking at a conference in Bahrain, UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper condemned the ongoing violence, describing the situation as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
“For too long, this terrible conflict has been neglected while the suffering has only deepened,” Cooper said.
According to the UK’s Foreign Office, the newly announced funding adds to the £120 million previously committed to Sudan over the past year. Of the new package, £2 million will specifically support survivors of sexual violence in El-Fasher.
“The reports from Darfur in recent days are truly horrifying — atrocities, mass executions, starvation, and the devastating use of rape as a weapon of war, with women and children suffering the most,” Cooper added.
The UK government said its diplomats are working to press all parties involved to end hostilities, protect civilians, and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access across Sudan.
