Sudan’s neighbors and global leaders held a humanitarian conference to address the ongoing civil war, displacement crisis, and food insecurity. Ethiopia and Kenya pledged financial aid, while the UN announced new relief plans. The African Union will hold further discussions on the conflict.

Sudan’s neighboring countries have convened a humanitarian conference to rally support for the nation, which has been ravaged by a brutal civil war between its regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has displaced over 12 million people and claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The East African regional bloc, IGAD, in collaboration with the United Nations, organized the humanitarian conference on the sidelines of the annual African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the broader impact of the crisis, stating, “This crisis is not just Sudanese; it is a regional and global concern.”

Kenyan President William Ruto reflected on the devastation caused by the war, noting that just four years ago, Sudan was on a path toward stability and self-sufficiency. He highlighted the reversal of progress, particularly in food security, saying, “Sudan’s progress towards food security, once exemplified by record wheat harvests and sugar cane plantations, has been completely reversed, leaving over half of Sudan’s population food insecure.”

The African leaders underscored the need for sustained and urgent attention to address Sudan’s deepening political and humanitarian crisis.

In response, the United Nations has announced plans to launch the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan alongside the 2025 Sudan Refugee Response Plan.

Ethiopia, which shares a border with Sudan and has been significantly affected by the influx of refugees, was among the nations making financial pledges at the conference. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared, “Ethiopia pledges a modest contribution of 15 million dollars in solidarity with the people of Sudan.”

Kenya also committed $2 million to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan.

Meanwhile, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council is scheduled to hold a special session on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.