Sudan Aid Conference Pledges Billions

An international aid conference was held in Berlin, Germany, to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has been ravaged by a three-year civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Donors, including Germany and the United States, pledged over 1.5 billion euros (approximately $1.8 billion) in humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighboring countries. The conference, hosted by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and co-organized by the African Union and the European Union, aimed to rally donors and revive faltering peace talks, although neither of the warring parties sent representatives. The United Nations reported tens of thousands killed, millions displaced, and widespread hunger, with nearly 700 civilians killed in drone strikes since January alone. Despite some semblance of normality returning to parts of Khartoum, the capital, the overall situation remains dire. The government of Sudan and the Rapid Support Forces both criticized the conference, viewing it as interference in domestic affairs. Diplomatic efforts by the Quad (United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt) have so far failed, with the United Arab Emirates accused of arming the Rapid Support Forces.