UK Failed to Prevent el-Fasher Massacre in Sudan Due to UAE Pressure, MPs Hear
A British parliamentary committee has been told that the UK failed to prevent the massacre in Sudan’s el-Fasher due to political pressure linked to its relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Human rights investigator Nathaniel Raymond said Britain, which acted as the UN “penholder” on Sudan, was in a strong position to intervene but repeatedly ignored warnings about escalating violence by the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Raymond told MPs that UK officials prioritised diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE over preventing mass atrocities, including the killing and forced displacement of civilians. He estimated that around 60,000 people were killed when RSF forces attacked el-Fasher in October 2025.
He said evidence of UAE-linked support to RSF fighters was shared with UK officials, but calls for stronger action, including sanctions, were not pursued. He also claimed that UK warnings and intelligence briefings were dismissed or limited due to fears of damaging relations with Abu Dhabi.
Raymond described the fall of el-Fasher as a “predictable” mass atrocity that could have been prevented with stronger international action. He also warned that similar risks remain in other besieged Sudanese cities.
The UK Foreign Office has not directly responded to all allegations but a government minister told MPs that stopping the violence would not have been as simple as applying pressure on one country, noting that multiple actors are involved in Sudan’s conflict.
