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On April 15, 2025, an international humanitarian conference convened in London to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, marking two years since the onset of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Co-hosted by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the European Union, and the African Union, the conference aimed to mobilize aid for the millions affected by the war.
Key Developments:
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Humanitarian Aid Pledges: The European Union and its member states committed over €522 million to support those affected by the conflict. The United Kingdom announced an additional £120 million ($158 million) in aid, focusing on delivering food and essential services to the most vulnerable populations.
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Exclusion of Warring Parties: Notably, representatives from both the Sudanese government and the RSF were not invited to the conference. This decision underscores the international community’s focus on humanitarian relief over political negotiations at this stage.
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Humanitarian Crisis Overview: The conflict has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths, displaced over 14 million people, and pushed large parts of the country toward famine. The World Food Programme reports that nearly 25 million people—half of Sudan’s population—face extreme hunger.
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Regional Impact: The war’s repercussions extend beyond Sudan’s borders, affecting neighboring countries like Chad and South Sudan, which are grappling with the influx of refugees and the strain on their resources.
International Response:
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to act now to stop the crisis from becoming an all-out catastrophe, ensuring aid gets to those who need it the most.”
The conference also highlighted the need for unrestricted humanitarian access and the establishment of an African Union-led international contact group to coordinate relief efforts.
Conclusion:
While the London conference succeeded in securing significant aid commitments, the absence of a political resolution and the exclusion of Sudanese factions from the talks underscore the complexities of the crisis. The international community continues to grapple with providing immediate humanitarian relief while seeking pathways to a sustainable peace in Sudan.
