The European Union has announced its intention to allocate 896 million euros from its total humanitarian and developmental financing for Sudan.
The European Commission, in a statement published on its official website, shared that it participated, alongside France and Germany, in hosting the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and neighboring countries in Paris, marking one year since the conflict in Sudan erupted. The conference aimed to enhance support for those affected by what has become one of the worst humanitarian crises and the largest displacement crisis in the world.
Specifically, during the conference, the European Commission announced an allocation of 355 million euros to fund humanitarian and developmental aid for Sudan and its neighbors. Together with pledges from EU member states totaling 541 million euros, the total EU support committed at the conference for Sudan amounts to 896 million euros.
The statement explained that the European Commission’s funding would be channeled through humanitarian organizations to the most vulnerable and needy groups suffering from the consequences of the conflict in Sudan itself, as well as to those who have fled to neighboring countries. The EU aid will provide healthcare, food assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, protection, and education to the most vulnerable families, internally displaced persons, refugee families, and host communities.
The war in Sudan, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has developed into a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by intense fighting primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, with estimates of around 15,000 deaths since the onset of the war.
The conflict has resulted in nearly eight million people being displaced, many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring countries like Ethiopia. The war has further exacerbated Sudan’s already precarious humanitarian situation, with millions requiring urgent aid amid worsening food insecurity and healthcare challenges.
Internationally, there have been efforts to negotiate peace and address the political turmoil that has gripped Sudan for years, but these efforts have often been met with challenges and setbacks. The situation remains volatile with ongoing violence and a significant impact on the civilian population.