More than £1 billion has been pledged by international donors to support Sudan, as the country grapples with what is widely described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by three years of devastating conflict. The funding commitments were made at a high-level conference in Berlin, where global leaders and aid agencies gathered to address the rapidly deteriorating situation on the ground.
The total amount pledged—exceeding initial targets set by organisers—comes as Sudan faces an unprecedented humanitarian emergency. Nearly two-thirds of the country’s population, approximately 34 million people, now require urgent assistance, including food, shelter, and medical aid. The conflict, which began in 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to widespread displacement, hunger, and destruction of infrastructure.
Despite the significant financial commitments, concerns remain over the effectiveness of aid in the absence of a political resolution. Peace efforts have shown little progress, with both warring factions notably absent from the Berlin conference. The lack of direct engagement from the key parties to the conflict has raised doubts about the prospects for a ceasefire or negotiated settlement in the near future.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the ongoing violence, highlighting reports of severe human rights abuses, including widespread sexual violence and attacks on civilians. He urged the international community to not only increase funding but also take decisive steps to end the conflict, stressing that financial aid alone cannot resolve the crisis. Calls were also made to halt the flow of weapons into Sudan, which continues to fuel the violence.
The Berlin conference also exposed geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict. Sudan’s foreign ministry criticised the gathering, accusing Western nations of sidelining the country’s government. Meanwhile, allegations persist regarding external support to both sides of the conflict, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that the funds pledged, while substantial, are still insufficient compared to the scale of need. The United Nations estimates that Sudan requires over £2 billion in humanitarian funding this year alone, yet only a small fraction—around 16%—has been secured so far. This funding gap threatens to undermine relief operations, particularly as millions face acute food shortages and limited access to healthcare.
The crisis has also been exacerbated by shifting global priorities and funding constraints, with international attention diverted to other conflicts. Aid organisations fear that without sustained global engagement, Sudan’s situation could worsen further, pushing more people into famine and deepening instability across the region.
While the pledges signal renewed international concern, experts emphasise that without an immediate ceasefire and a long-term political solution, humanitarian efforts will remain a temporary measure in the face of an escalating crisis.
