After 20 years of war and 2 million lives lost, Sudan’s southern region declared independence from Khartoum in July 2011. Currently in a period of transition, Sudan faces varying levels of political, economic and military insecurities aggravated by border conflict with the south. Weak and unaccountable political institutions, a heavily centralized and oil-dependent economy, and high levels of military expenditure and corruption are threatening stability and challenging development.
In addition, Sudan continues to experience prolonged humanitarian emergencies and high, uneven levels of poverty. Almost half of the Sudanese population, especially in Darfur and the east, lives below the poverty line. And as rates of urbanization soar, further pressure is mounted on providing basic services to the largely young and unskilled population.
The United Kingdom is dedicated to addressing the underlying causes and the impact of conflict and bringing stability through humanitarian assistance and government interventions.