A newly disclosed review of British foreign aid has revealed that the UK government selected the least robust of several proposed plans to prevent mass atrocities in Sudan, a decision made months before the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the city of El Fasher and commenced widespread ethnically targeted killings.
The internal assessment, which scrutinizes UK assistance to Sudan, indicates that officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) evaluated multiple options in late 2024 aimed at enhancing civilian protection. Among the proposals was the establishment of an international mechanism specifically designed to shield civilians from crimes against humanity and sexual violence.
However, facing budgetary and staffing limitations, authorities opted for what was described as the “least ambitious” approach. This chosen strategy involved directing an additional £10 million to existing humanitarian groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, for general protection activities, rather than initiating a dedicated, large-scale prevention program.
The report notes that resource constraints similarly hampered efforts to prioritize safeguarding women and girls, a critical need in a conflict marked by systematic sexual violence. A dedicated program for this vulnerable group is now not anticipated before 2026.
Critics argue the decision reflects a broader de-prioritization of atrocity prevention in foreign policy. “Mass atrocities are preventable with political will, not inevitable disasters,” stated a specialist from a human rights organization. “Choosing a minimal response has had devastating real-world consequences, making the UK complicit in the ongoing tragedy in Darfur.”
The UK government maintains that its aid, totaling over £120 million for Sudan, is having a tangible impact and that it continues to exercise leadership on the issue internationally, including at the UN Security Council where it has vowed accountability for the RSF’s crimes.
The review did acknowledge the UK’s role in diplomatic convening on Sudan but concluded that its effectiveness has been undercut by inconsistent high-level attention and funding cuts that have compromised the ability to deliver stronger protective outcomes for civilians.