World donors pledged over $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid for Sudan after a yearlong war has pushed its population to the brink of famine, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. The aid will go towards food, water, medicines, and other urgent needs. Macron emphasized the need to support Sudan’s 51 million people, who are facing dire circumstances due to the ongoing conflict. The international conference in Paris aimed to mobilize support for Sudan and address the urgent humanitarian crisis.
Various diplomatic envoys, U.N. officials, and aid agencies called on Sudan’s warring parties to cease attacks on civilians and allow access for humanitarian aid. Immediate international mediation efforts towards peace were also urged. The conference highlighted the importance of engaging with Sudan’s civil society to address the critical needs of the population. However, the Sudanese army and rival paramilitary forces were notably absent from the discussions, underscoring the challenges of navigating the complex dynamics of the conflict.
Sudan descended into conflict in April last year when tensions between the military and the Rapid Support Forces escalated into open fighting in Khartoum and other parts of the country. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the lack of attention on Sudan amidst other global crises. The U.N.’s humanitarian campaign requires $2.7 billion this year to provide essential supplies to 24 million people in Sudan, yet funding remains low. Macron highlighted the urgency of supporting the Sudanese people and mobilizing resources to address the devastating impacts of the war.
The conference in Paris brought together 58 countries to raise funds for Sudan, with pledges totaling $2.1 billion, of which 900 million euros came from EU countries. Macron called for regional powers to cease funding the conflict in Sudan, noting that the raised amount may still be less than what some powers have spent to fuel the proxy war in the country. The yearlong war in Sudan has resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries, and forced displacement, with millions in urgent need of aid. The international community is urged to prioritize the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and work towards sustainable peace.
Humanitarian action in Sudan has faced challenges due to politicization and risks faced by aid workers. The conflict has led to a breakdown in food production and distribution networks, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. At least 37% of the population is suffering from hunger, with reports of atrocities, killings, displacement, and rape. The situation is dire, with concerns of potential mass death looming in the coming months. Relief organizations emphasize the need for immediate action to address famine, malnutrition, and the broader impacts of the conflict.
The military coup led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo in 2021 further destabilized Sudan’s democratic transition and intensified the conflict. The fight between the military and the RSF continues to ravage the country, leaving civilians vulnerable and in need of urgent assistance. The international community, through the Paris conference and ongoing efforts, aims to provide critical support to the people of Sudan and address the root causes of the conflict to pave the way for lasting peace and stability.
