$6 Billion needed to support nearly 21 mln Sudanese

Speaking a high-level humanitarian conference for the people of Sudan in Addis Ababa, the Secretary-General said the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the 2025 Sudan Refugee Response Plan require $6 billion to support close to 21 million people inside Sudan and up to 5 million others — primarily refugees - in neighbouring countries; an unprecedented humanitarian crisis on the African continent.

Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union co-hosted the conference to mobilize urgent humanitarian support for the people of Sudan affected by the ongoing conflict in the country.

“I saw first hand the enormous generosity of the Sudanese people — as they supported their own internally displaced population, as well as refugees — including those from Eritrea, Chad, South Sudan and even Ethiopia, in certain moments,” said Secretary-General.

“Now the international community must show the same level of support to the Sudanese people in their moment of despair as the Sudanese people once showed to their neighbours in distress.”

“Sudan is in the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality.  A crisis that is increasingly spilling over into the wider region.  And a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention — from the African Union and the broader international community.”

At the conference, Ethiopia has committed $15 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan.

In his remarks to the conference, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to stand with Sudan in its time of need, sharing from its limited resources and maintaining an open-door policy for Sudanese seeking refuge.

He also called for an urgent action, citing the holy Month of Ramadan approaching. 

“International solidarity in providing aid to the Sudanese is important, and a decision must be made to bring peace to Sudan with the arrival of Ramadan because its repercussions have become regional and international,” the Prime Minister said.

Kenyan President William Ruto described the conflict in Sudan as initially political but one that has turned into an unjustified and meaningless war.

Ruto emphasized that a military solution is not the answer in Sudan, adding that his country would support the Sudanese people with $1 million and would work towards a comprehensive solution involving all Sudanese components.

In his opening remarks, UAE Minister of State Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan affirmed his country’s continued support for the Sudanese people and announced an additional $200 million to alleviate their suffering.

African Union Commissioner Moussa Faki stressed the need for negotiations and an immediate ceasefire without conditions.