World donors pledged over $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid for Sudan after a yearlong war that has pushed its population to the brink of famine. French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement at an international conference in Paris aimed at supporting Sudan’s 51 million people. The aid will be used for food, water, medicines, and other urgent needs, although a specific timeline was not provided. Diplomatic envoys, U.N. officials, and aid agencies called on Sudan’s warring parties to cease attacks on civilians, allow humanitarian access, and urged immediate international mediation efforts for peace.
The conflict in Sudan began in April last year when tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted into open fighting in Khartoum and other parts of the country. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed concern that the crisis in Sudan has been overshadowed by other global events and emphasized the urgent need to support the Sudanese people. The UN’s humanitarian campaign requires $2.7 billion to provide food, healthcare, and supplies to 24 million people in Sudan, with only $145 million raised so far. For this reason, the Paris conference aimed to mobilize support and funding for the victims of the conflict in Sudan.
More than 14,000 people have been killed, with 33,000 wounded, and nearly 9 million forced to flee their homes in the yearlong conflict. Hunger, sexual violence against women and girls, continued displacement, and destruction of infrastructure have been rampant. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne highlighted the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and called for international support. The European Union and other countries pledged financial assistance, urging other powers to cease funding the conflict in Sudan to allow for peace and stability in the region.
The conflict in Sudan has been marked by widespread reports of atrocities, including killings, displacement, and rape, particularly in the capital and the western region of Darfur. Concerns have been raised about the potential for mass death in the coming months as food production and distribution networks break down, making it difficult for aid agencies to reach the worst-affected regions. At least 37% of the population is suffering from hunger, and organizations like Save the Children warn of the imminent risk of malnutrition-related deaths, including those of children, pregnant women, and newborn mothers. The situation in Sudan is described as one of the worst humanitarian disasters on the African continent.
The conflict in Sudan has become increasingly politicized, with humanitarian workers risking their lives to deliver essential aid to those in need. The United States and Saudi Arabia initially led efforts to find a negotiated solution to the conflict, but the situation in Gaza and Ukraine has since overshadowed the violence in Sudan. Despite ongoing challenges and threats to humanitarian efforts, global leaders and aid organizations continue to emphasize the critical need to support the Sudanese people during this challenging time. The international community is called upon to act to prevent further suffering and devastation in Sudan and to work towards lasting peace and stability in the country.
