Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 May 2026
Correspondence from the Minister for Development and Africa relating to the Government’s response to the situation in Sudan, 12 May 2026
Summary
Baroness Chapman responds to the International Development Committee's inquiry about Sudan's humanitarian crisis, specifically addressing RSF and SAF restrictions on NGO operations. The UK government characterises these measures as weaponisation of aid and describes urgent diplomatic efforts to pressure both warring parties to restore humanitarian access before the rainy season impedes operations further.
Key findings
- RSF-aligned NAHA has issued directives threatening humanitarian operations in areas under its control; SAF has threatened retaliatory measures against organisations complying with RSF restrictions
- The UK characterises these actions as 'unconscionable weaponisation of humanitarian aid' that risks cutting millions of Sudanese from lifesaving assistance
- Approaching rainy season will render large parts of Sudan inaccessible, making immediate resolution critical to prevent famine spread in Darfur and the Kordofans
- UK has made forceful representations through FCDO networks to both warring parties, calling on RSF to lift restrictions and SAF to cease retaliation
- Government is working with UN, NGOs and local responders to maintain aid delivery and remains ready to escalate diplomatic pressure at the UN and provide Committee briefings
Tone
CriticalTopics
Key actors
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Sarah Champion, RSF (Rapid Support Forces), SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces), NAHA (National Authority for Humanitarian Access), UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), United Nations
Notable line
“These measures represent an unconscionable weaponisation of humanitarian aid.”
Key Quotes
“The UK is working urgently to address the deeply concerning directives issued by the RSF-aligned National Authority for Humanitarian Access (NAHA) which threaten humanitarian operations within areas of its control”
“These RSF directives risk a devastating impact on the critical humanitarian support so desperately needed to prevent the further spread of famine across Darfur and the Kordofans.”
“These measures represent an unconscionable weaponisation of humanitarian aid.”
“Millions of Sudanese people, who are already in dire need of lifesaving aid and assistance, could be cut off from aid as a direct consequence of the RSF actions.”
“We have called on the RSF to immediately lift these restrictions on aid delivery, and on SAF not to retaliate against organisations operating in non-SAF held parts of Sudan.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗