Sudan aid conference secures €2 Billion, demands end to violence
April 15, 2024 (PARIS) – Donors pledged over 2 billion Euros to aid Sudan, a country ravaged by war for a year, French President Emmanuel Macron announced at the end of an international humanitarian conference held in Paris on Monday.
France, Germany, and the European Union organized the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries on the first anniversary of the forgotten conflict.
The EU pledged 350 million Euros, while France and Germany committed 110 million Euros and 244 million Euros, respectively. The United States pledged 147 million dollars, and Britain pledged 110 million dollars.
“This support will allow us to respond to the most urgent needs in the sectors of food and nutritional security, water, sanitation, education, and protection of the most vulnerable population,” said Macron.
A statement by the French presidency underscored that this conference aimed to put the Sudanese conflict back at the top of the international agenda and to strengthen the humanitarian response.
The French President called on the warring parties to commit to a ceasefire to enable aid workers to reach civilians in conflict-affected areas and to open borders to deliver humanitarian aid.
This conference brought together ministers and representatives of 58 States, including neighbouring countries and the region, as well as donors and representatives of regional organizations such as the African Union, the IGAD and the League of Arab States, the UN Envoy for Sudan and UN agencies.
The conflict in Sudan has caused more than 9 million people to flee their homes. 25 million people in Sudan need assistance, and the country is on the verge of a catastrophic hunger crisis. The UN has formally warned of the risk of famine this year, with 18 million currently facing hunger.
In parallel, Paris hosted a meeting of Sudanese civil forces to exchange on the ongoing crisis and how they could contribute to stopping the war and mobilising international humanitarian assistance.
The meeting gathered some leaders from different political forces who participated in their personal capacities, tribal and religious leaders, and civil society groups.
The participants agreed to overcome their differences, conjugate their efforts to end the war and support ongoing efforts to prevent the looming famine in Sudan. They also agreed on the need to meet again with more representatives of the various political groups for more discussion on the conflict and the future of the country.
(ST)