French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that Paris and its allies had secured pledges exceeding €2 billion ($2.1 billion) to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The declaration follows a high-level conference in Paris, attended by top diplomats from France, Germany, and the European Union. The gathering emphasized the urgent need for increased funding to assist Sudan, coinciding with the conflict’s first anniversary.
Among the attendees were French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, EU High Representative Josep Borrell, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic, and representatives from Sudan’s civil society.
Macron emphasized that the mobilized €2 billion would address Sudan’s most pressing needs, although he did not provide a detailed breakdown of the funding.
Describing the situation in Sudan as “one of the worst humanitarian crises globally,” Macron highlighted the looming threat of famine.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these concerns, indicating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Sudan.
He underscored the need for urgent action to prevent further escalation of hostilities, particularly in North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher, a critical humanitarian hub.
Guterres attributed the ongoing conflict partly to the obstruction of mediation efforts by military factions.
Sudan faces a dire situation, with the UN labeling it “the largest internal displacement crisis worldwide.” Eight million people have been displaced, and millions are at risk of starvation.
At the conference’s outset, Baerbock announced an additional €244 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan, emphasizing the need for collective action to avert a catastrophic hunger crisis.
Despite these pledges, the UN’s humanitarian campaign for Sudan requires $2.7 billion this year, with only a fraction currently funded. The UK and the United States have doubled their aid commitments, with the European Commission planning substantial contributions to Sudan and neighboring states in 2024.
