UK government reveals talks with Sudanese paramilitary group
The UK government acknowledges engaging in talks with Sudan's paramilitary group, despite accusations of human rights violations, sparking controversy.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has acknowledged engaging in diplomatic discussions with Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), despite allegations of ethnic cleansing and other atrocities. According to a report by The Guardian, obtained through a freedom of information request, the UK government held talks with the RSF on March 6, aiming to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and cease hostilities between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
The RSF has been embroiled in a year-long civil conflict in Sudan, accused by the US of committing crimes against humanity, including massacres, mass rape, looting, and ethnic cleansing. The UN has reported that RSF activities in West Darfur resulted in the deaths of 15,000 individuals, contributing to the displacement of around 8 million Sudanese civilians.
The decision of the UK to engage with the RSF has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it could legitimize a group accused of severe human rights violations. Dr. Sharath Srinivasan from Cambridge University expressed concern that diplomatic engagement with armed groups like the RSF perpetuates violence and authoritarianism in Sudan.
However, some experts, like Ahmed Soliman from Chatham House, defend the talks as necessary for ending the war and addressing civilian suffering, given the RSF's control over key regions like Darfur. Soliman emphasized the importance of engaging with the RSF to facilitate aid delivery and work towards a sustainable peace process.
Conversely, Maddy Crowther of the Waging Peace human rights group criticized the negotiations, questioning the RSF's credibility as good-faith actors and highlighting potential disillusionment among Sudanese communities and the diaspora.
In response, an FCDO spokesperson reiterated the UK's commitment to pursuing diplomatic solutions to end violence, prevent further atrocities, ensure humanitarian access, protect civilians, and support a meaningful peace process. The spokesperson condemned the actions of both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces, vowing to hold them accountable for their actions.
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