French President Emmanuel Macron announced that world donors have pledged more than 2 billion euros in aid for Sudan following a yearlong war that has pushed its population to the brink of famine. Macron made the announcement at the end of an international conference in Paris aimed at garnering support for Sudan's people. The funding details were not provided.
Top diplomatic envoys, U.N. officials, and aid agencies at the conference urged Sudan's warring parties to cease rights violations and allow access for humanitarian aid. The Sudanese army and rival paramilitary were not represented at the meeting.
Sudan plunged into conflict 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. Macron described it as one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, posing a real risk of famine.
The United Nations requires approximately $2.7 billion this year to provide food, healthcare, and supplies to 24 million people in Sudan, nearly half of its population. However, only $145 million, about 5%, has been received so far.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to donate generously to support life-saving efforts for Sudanese people trapped in a 'nightmare of bloodshed.' The conflict has resulted in over 14,000 deaths, 33,000 injuries, and forced nearly 9 million people to flee their homes.
Various officials emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian funding to aid Sudanese people who have suffered from both war and international indifference. The European Union and the International Committee of the Red Cross stressed the importance of ensuring safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid.
Relief workers warn of a looming catastrophe of starvation in Sudan, with reports of atrocities including killings, displacement, and rape. Approximately 37% of the population faces hunger at crisis levels or above, with an estimated 230,000 vulnerable individuals at risk of malnutrition-related deaths.
The conflict in Sudan, marked by deteriorating conditions and violations of human rights and international law, has escalated tensions between the military and paramilitary forces. The situation remains critical, with urgent appeals for diplomatic support and funding to aid millions of people affected by the conflict.
