Germany has announced a substantial humanitarian aid package of 125 million euros (approximately $142 million) to assist Sudan, as articulated by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. This announcement comes just ahead of an international conference aimed at addressing the dire situation in the war-ravaged country.
The funding is intended to support both international and local aid organizations in delivering crucial food and medical assistance to those in distress in Sudan and surrounding areas. Baerbock emphasized the urgency of the situation, recognizing the escalating needs of the population as the conflict continues.
The ongoing violence, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The conflict has effectively split Sudan into two factions: the army retains control of the northern and eastern regions, while the RSF dominates much of Darfur and areas in the south. The toll of this war has been devastating, with tens of thousands of lives lost, over 13 million people displaced, and critical humanitarian needs unmet. The International Rescue Committee has characterized this crisis as “the biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.”
In response to this escalating turmoil, an international conference is set to convene in London, co-hosted by Britain, Germany, France, the European Union, and the African Union. However, the Sudanese army and the RSF militia have shown reluctance to engage in discussions, posing challenges for the conference’s objectives.
Baerbock expressed her grave concerns regarding the current situation in Sudan, describing it as “the greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time.” She highlighted the destruction of entire regions, the mass displacement of families, widespread starvation, and the horrific instances of sexual violence targeted against women and children.
The forthcoming meeting in London will focus on collaborating with African partners to explore avenues for ensuring unrestricted humanitarian access, protecting civilian populations, and pursuing a political resolution to the conflict. Baerbock noted that representatives from Gulf states will also be present, urging them to leverage their influence to establish humanitarian corridors to assist those affected by the crisis.
She emphasized that only through collective international pressure can the conflicting parties be encouraged to return to the negotiating table, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the ongoing conflict that has engulfed Sudan.
