Paris conference on Sudan. |Photo—DW|.
Germany has pledged an additional €244 million to Sudan and neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, in light of rising humanitarian needs due to the conflict in Sudan.
German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made this commitment on Monday during the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries in Paris which was co-hosted by Germany, France, and the European Union.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation James Pitia Morgan represented President Kiir at the conference in Paris.
According to Minister Morgan, the international community applauded President Kiir for opening the borders to Sudanese fleeing the conflict in their country.
In a statement to the media upon arrival at Juba International Airport on Wednesday, Minister Morgan said the international community appealed to the Sudanese warring parties to reach a permanent ceasefire and cessation of hostilities to restore law and order in the Republic of Sudan.
Violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), displaced more than 8.6 million people, including internally displaced people (IDPs), asylum seekers, and refugees.
This conflict exacerbated many of Sudan’s existing challenges, including ongoing conflicts, disease outbreaks, economic and political instability, and climate emergencies.
In Paris, France, Germany, and the European Union organized an international humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries, one year after the Sudanese conflict broke out.
This unprecedented meeting in “Team Europe” format follows on from the conferences held in Berlin in 2020 and Paris in 2021 to support the Sudanese transition, as well as the Sudan Pledging Conference in Geneva in June 2023 and the high-level meetings in New York in September and December 2023.
France, Germany, and the European Union express their solidarity with and support for the Sudanese civilian population, the primary victims of this war.
“We strongly condemn the violence against civilians, including attacks on ethnic grounds, indiscriminate bombardment of residential areas, and sexual and gender-based violence, including against children,” the press release extended to Golden Times partly read.
“It is crucial to continue reminding the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and fight impunity by doing everything possible to make sure those responsible for atrocities are prosecuted and held accountable,” it added.
In response to the United Nations’ appeal for funding on 7 February 2024, international donors have today announced that they will provide more than 2 billion, including nearly €900 million from the European Union and its Member States, to support civilian populations in Sudan and those who sought refuge in neighbouring countries in 2024.
“Our collective efforts to ensure that Sudan does not become a forgotten crisis will not waver and we urge all our partners to step up their efforts to bring it to an end,” the press release added.
Golden Times | South Sudan
