Macron reveals global donors commit $2.1 billion in aid for conflict-ridden Sudan

World donors have pledged over $2.1 billion in humanitarian aid for Sudan, as the country faces a devastating yearlong war that has pushed its population to the brink of famine. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the aid during an international conference in Paris, where top diplomatic envoys, U.N. officials, and aid agencies came together to support Sudan’s 51 million people.

The aid will be used for essential needs such as food, water, and medicines, but a specific timeline for the distribution was not provided. Macron emphasized the importance of stopping attacks on civilians and allowing access for humanitarian aid, calling for immediate international mediation efforts towards peace.

Sudan’s civil society members participated in the conference, although the Sudanese army and rival paramilitary were notably absent. The United Nations has highlighted the urgent need for $2.7 billion this year to provide assistance to 24 million people in Sudan, but only a fraction of that amount has been funded so far.

The conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 14,000 deaths and forced nearly 9 million people to flee their homes. The situation is dire, with hunger, sexual violence, and displacement rampant across the country. The international community is urged to not turn a blind eye to the crisis in Sudan and to support the efforts to bring peace and aid to those in need.