International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan: Rallying Support Amidst Crisis

The devastating conflict in Sudan has plunged the nation into a profound humanitarian crisis, prompting the international community to take swift action. On April 15, 2024, the French capital, Paris, hosted an International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries, organized in response to the United Nations’ funding appeal on February 7, 2024.

Organizers and Participants

The conference was a collaborative effort by France, Germany, and the European Union, bringing together ministers and representatives from over 58 states, including neighboring and regional countries, as well as donors. Representatives from various regional organizations, such as the African Union, United Nations programs and agencies, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Arab Development Bank, participated in the event. Additionally, around 50 international and Sudanese NGOs were present, underscoring the global commitment to addressing this crisis.

Pledges and Funding

At the Paris conference, international donors announced a staggering pledge of more than 2 billion euros, with the European Union and its members contributing around 900 million euros. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Sudan requires at least $2.7 billion this year to provide food, healthcare, and other essential supplies to 24 million people, nearly half of the country’s population of 51 million.

Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

Sudan has been plagued by civil war and political instability since its independence in 1956. The latest conflict erupted in 2023, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. Both factions are engaged in a bitter struggle for control over the Sudanese state and its resources.

The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences for the people of Sudan and neighboring countries. Approximately 14,000 Sudanese have lost their lives, and around 33,000 have been wounded in the year-long civil war. Additionally, 9 million people have fled the country, seeking refuge in neighboring nations such as Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

A Nation in Crisis

Sudan currently has the largest number of internally displaced persons in the world. According to relief agencies, more than half of the Sudanese population requires humanitarian assistance, while 18 million people are suffering from acute food insecurity. There is a real danger of famine in the country, as food production and distribution networks have broken down.

The International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries represents a crucial step in addressing this dire situation. By rallying global support and securing much-needed funding, the international community has demonstrated its commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people and providing essential aid to those affected by the conflict.

As the crisis in Sudan continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, hopeful that the collective efforts of nations, organizations, and humanitarian agencies will bring relief and pave the way for a peaceful resolution to this devastating conflict.