The United Kingdom has called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Sudan, urging a humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and an inclusive, civilian-led political process. This statement was made by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at a UN Security Council meeting on Sudan on 16 October 2026.
The statement marks the one-year anniversary of El Fasher's fall to the Rapid Support Forces, which was followed by documented atrocities. The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission has documented systematic starvation, torture, killings, rape, and deliberate ethnic targeting, with civilians, patients, and staff reportedly killed.
The UK also highlighted the need to end external support sustaining the conflict, noting that advancing drone capabilities are procured, financed, transferred, and sustained through networks outside Sudan. The UK supports strengthening the Security Council's Sudan sanctions regime to increase pressure on those supplying, financing, and enabling the war.
Recent drone strikes and aerial attacks, including in the Kordofans, were cited as evidence of the conflict's growing reach and lethality, leading to civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. The IPC has warned of an increasing famine risk in Darfur and the Kordofans, with over 33 million people needing humanitarian assistance.
The UK welcomed efforts by the Quad and Quintet, as well as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, towards a diplomatic solution and looks forward to further progress at consultations in Geneva next week.