International community commits $1.5 billion to aid Sudan amid ongoing conflict

UN Secretary-General Calls for End to Conflict in Sudan

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, addressed a gathering of international leaders in Berlin on the third anniversary of the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The conflict began in April 2023, following a power struggle between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Nearly 34 million people inside Sudan require humanitarian assistance, with over 4.5 million displaced.

Guterres stated that the consequences of the conflict extend beyond Sudan’s borders, destabilizing the wider region. He also highlighted the need to address the human rights situation in Sudan, including systematic sexual violence and its impact on women and girls.

A conference was held in Berlin to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Sudan, with donors pledging 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion). The meeting aimed to revive faltering negotiations to end the fighting, but the two sides involved were excluded from participating.

Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the conference as a “colonial tutelage approach,” stating that Western leaders failed to consult or coordinate with Khartoum. The ministry warned that equating the government and its national army with a terrorist militia would undermine regional security.

African Union chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssou expressed concern about divisions within Sudan’s civilian camp, including civil society groups and political parties. He emphasized the need for all efforts to converge towards the cessation of hostilities, with a ceasefire being essential.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledged 212 million euros ($250 million) in humanitarian aid, thanking donors for their contributions. The pledge aims to alleviate suffering and save lives among those affected by the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera