Keir Starmer urged to prioritise Sudan war by Oxford MP

The MP for Oxford East has been vocal about the civil war that started in April 2023 in the African country.

Scenes of a vicious struggle for power broke out between its army and a powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces.

It is estimated that around 30 million people need aid, and the country faces severe hunger, with at least five areas experiencing famine.

Anneliese Dodds leaving 10 Downing (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Ms Dodds, who was on a trip to the Sudan this year, raised the matter in a topical question session this week in Parliament.

She said: “On Sudan and the failing international response, will the foreign secretary consider further economic measures and sanctions, including against the nationals of the countries that support the belligerents?

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“Will she encourage the prime minister to prioritise Sudan in his international engagements so he can show the leadership that she has shown?”

Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper assured Ms Dodds the Government is “continuing to raise this matter as well”.

She added: “We assess that around a dozen countries are providing different kinds of arms flow support to the warring parties.

“That is an extremely serious concern and we are raising it with a range of countries. We also continue to look at the issue of sanctions.”

At least 59,000 people have been killed.

At least 6,000 died over three days as the RSF rampaged through the Darfur outpost of el-Fasher in October, according to the UN.