Sudan Crisis Response: Donors Step Up, Exceed 2 Billion Euros in Aid Funding
Donors pledged over 2 billion euros ($2.13 billion) for war-torn Sudan during a conference in Paris, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron. This commitment comes on the first anniversary of a conflict in Sudan that humanitarian workers describe as both neglected and devastating.
Efforts to aid the millions of people on the brink of famine due to the conflict have faced significant challenges. Continued fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), restrictions imposed by the warring parties, and competing demands from other global crises, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, have impeded relief efforts.
The conflict in Sudan is intensifying, particularly in and around al-Fashir, the last city in the western Darfur region not under RSF control. Hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals have sought refuge in this area.
During the conference, the European Union pledged 350 million euros, while France and Germany committed 110 million euros and 244 million euros, respectively. The United States pledged $147 million, and Britain pledged $110 million.
Macron emphasized the importance of coordinating international efforts to resolve the conflict and halt foreign support for the warring parties. He expressed concern that the funds mobilized may still be less than what several powers have contributed to support the conflict’s continuation.
As regional powers vie for influence in Sudan, allegations have arisen that the United Arab Emirates supported the RSF with arms, while the Sudanese army received weapons from Iran. Both sides have denied these reports.
The ongoing conflict, rooted in power struggles preceding a planned transition, has devastated infrastructure, displaced millions, and disrupted access to food and basic services.
The United Nations seeks $2.7 billion for aid within Sudan and an additional $1.4 billion for assistance in neighboring countries hosting refugees. However, the aid effort faces challenges in gaining access on the ground, with the army and RSF impeding access to wide areas of the country.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, with each side accused of war crimes. Macron emphasized that these crimes would not go unpunished. Reports of ethnic cleansing in West Darfur have also surfaced.
Recent violence in al-Fashir, including raids by RSF and allied militias, has led to further displacement and casualties. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that any attack on al-Fashir could escalate into full-blown intercommunal conflict in Darfur.
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