Paris, France – April 15, 2024 – The international community stepped up to support war-ravaged Sudan, pledging more than €2 billion ($2.13 billion) at a conference in Paris. This comes as the conflict enters its second year, pushing millions towards famine.
The aid effort faces significant challenges. Ongoing fighting between the military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to disrupt aid distribution and displace civilians. Competition for influence among regional powers, with accusations of foreign support for both sides, further complicates the situation.
Donors including the European Union (€350 million), France (€110 million), Germany (€244 million), the United States ($147 million), and Britain ($110 million) aim to address the growing humanitarian crisis. However, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the limitations, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the need for coordinated international efforts to find a lasting solution.
“The amount that we mobilised today is still probably less than what several powers have provided since the war began to support one side or the other,” Macron said, urging an end to external interference.
The war has crippled infrastructure and displaced over 8.5 million people. The United Nations estimates that 25 million Sudanese require assistance, with a worst-case scenario of 1 million deaths from hunger this year. The UN is seeking $2.7 billion for aid within Sudan and an additional $1.4 billion for refugees in neighboring countries.
Access to those in need remains a major hurdle. Both the military and RSF have been accused of hindering aid deliveries, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the pledged funds.
The conference excluded Sudan’s military-aligned government, sparking protests from officials. The military and RSF, uneasy partners in past transitions, have been accused of war crimes, with violence escalating in recent days, particularly around the aid hub of al-Fashir. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that an attack on al-Fashir could trigger a wider conflict in Darfur.