Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 May 2026
Correspondence to the Foreign Secretary relating to the Government’s response to the situation in Sudan, 8 May 2026
Summary
The International Development Committee Chair writes to the Foreign Secretary on 8 May 2026 regarding UK government actions on Sudan's humanitarian crisis. The letter raises two urgent issues: NGO registration deadlines imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (by 12 May) that force agencies to choose between RSF and SAF-controlled areas, and requests detailed assessment of the Berlin Sudan conference, next steps for UK diplomacy, and consultation with UK-based Sudanese diaspora groups.
Key findings
- The Rapid Support Forces require international NGO registration by 12 May 2026, with expulsion as penalty for non-compliance, while the Humanitarian Aid Commission threatens expulsion from SAF areas if agencies register in Darfur
- Committee seeks details of UK steps to encourage both belligerent parties and their backers to allow unhindered humanitarian access and what political consequences the Government considers for IHL violations
- Committee requests assessment of Berlin conference outcomes, blockages to peace resolution, and next practical steps for UK and international partners
- Committee asks what specific consultation attempts have been made with UK-based Sudanese diaspora groups in the preceding six months
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Sarah Champion MP, Yvette Cooper MP, Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, Humanitarian Aid Commission, UK Government, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Notable line
“… the Rapid Support Forces authorities will require registration of international organisations by 12 May or risk being expelled”
Key Quotes
“It has come to our attention that the Rapid Support Forces authorities will require registration of international organisations by 12 May or risk being expelled.”
“… what steps you are taking to encourage the two main belligerent parties, and their backers to allow full unhindered access to populations requiring humanitarian assistance”
“I would be grateful of a response to our initial question on registration by 12 May considering the deadline given by the RSF authorities.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗