International leaders convened in Berlin to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, pledging $1.5 billion in aid while Khartoum criticized the meeting as a colonial attempt to dictate its affairs.
The third anniversary of Sudan’s devastating civil war, which began in April 2023 with fighting between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), was marked by an international conference in Berlin. Nearly 34 million people within Sudan require humanitarian assistance, and over 4.5 million have been displaced from their homes. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as a “nightmare” and emphasized the destabilizing impact of the conflict on the wider region, highlighting the widespread terrorizing of women and girls and systematic sexual violence. Despite efforts to revive stalled negotiations, the warring parties were excluded from the conference, fueling Khartoum's criticism of a “colonial tutelage approach.” Khartoum’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the meeting, accusing Western leaders of attempting to impose their agenda without consulting the Sudanese government. The ministry vehemently rejected comparisons between the Sudanese government and the RSF, arguing that such characterizations undermine regional and international security. The conference garnered support from numerous foreign ministers and delegations, resulting in pledges totaling $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid, including a commitment of 212 million euros from Germany. African Union chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssou expressed grave concerns about the scale of the destruction and the need for a ceasefire. However, divisions within Sudan's civilian political landscape were also noted, prompting the African Union to pledge intensified engagement. The RSF, while acknowledging the anniversary, remained silent on the conference. DATA:
Sources: Based on reporting from Al Jazeera
✨ This report was generated by AI News Assistant.
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