Donors pledged $1.7 billion Wednesday at a conference in Berlin to address Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, marking three years since the country’s civil war began. The funds aim to support 14 million people affected by the conflict, according to officials who noted the pledges exceeded expectations despite global budget cuts.
The international pledges, announced at a Berlin conference on Wednesday, totaled approximately 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) to assist 14 million people affected by Sudan’s civil war, officials said. The conference marked three years since the conflict began and was attended by foreign ministers and delegates from more than 50 countries, along with over 50 Sudanese and international non-governmental organizations. However, representatives from the warring parties were absent, according to sources familiar with the event.
The ongoing war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces has entered its fourth year, resulting in a deeply alarming humanitarian situation.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the gathering as a “moment of hope” for Sudanese people, noting that the pledges exceeded €1.3 billion despite shrinking global humanitarian budgets. Germany itself committed 212 million euros in aid to Sudan and neighboring countries, including an additional 20 million euros ($23.58 million) announced this year. The United Kingdom pledged 146 million pounds (over 165 million euros) in life-saving assistance and plans to double support to local aid groups, while Norway committed 42 million euros for humanitarian efforts and early recovery programs.
The European Union and its member states collectively pledged 811 million euros to address the crisis, records show. France also made financial commitments to meet growing humanitarian needs in the region, according to conference reports. The United States hosted a related event where allies and partners raised $1.5 billion in new assistance contributions for Sudan, officials confirmed.
Conflict-related violence has displaced nearly 13 million people, with over 150,000 killed and more than 11 million displaced since fighting escalated in 2023, according to data presented at the conference. The crisis has been further exacerbated by regional instability, including the knock-on effects of the Iran war, officials noted.
Despite the substantial pledges, aid agencies warn that the funding falls short of the estimated requirements. The United Nations has stated that 2.5 billion euros are necessary to adequately protect and feed vulnerable populations inside Sudan and refugees in neighboring countries. Humanitarian expert Ovigwe Eguegu cautioned that the pledged amounts risk being insufficient amid urgent and growing needs. The absence of Sudan’s warring parties at the donor conference raised concerns among participants about the potential effectiveness of the aid and the prospects for a ceasefire.
The Berlin conference underscored the critical need for sustained humanitarian support to alleviate suffering and save lives amid one of the world’s most devastating civil wars. Germany is reportedly reviewing further funding commitments to respond to the evolving crisis, according to official statements. The pledges aim not only to provide immediate relief but also to support early recovery efforts in the region.
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2021, triggered by power struggles within the military leadership. Since then, the war has displaced millions and severely disrupted access to food, healthcare, and basic services. The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and political dialogue, but fighting persists, complicating humanitarian access and aid delivery. The Berlin conference served as a platform to renew donor commitments and highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action to address the ongoing crisis.
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