The European Union and Britain pledge hundreds of millions of dollars to ease suffering in Sudan on the second anniversary of the country's civil war.

In a significant international gathering, the European Union and the United Kingdom announced substantial financial pledges aimed at alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan on the second anniversary of the ongoing civil war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. At a conference held in London, senior diplomats and aid officials from multiple countries, including Germany and France, and representatives from institutions like the African Union met to discuss urgent measures needed to halt the conflict. The EU pledged €522 million (approximately $590 million) for aid in 2025, while the UK committed £120 million (around €141 million) for immediate food assistance to nearly 650,000 affected individuals. This commitment comes as the country faces a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with no end in sight to the violence that erupted in April 2023 due to power struggles between military leaders. Both warring factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are accused of committing egregious war crimes, with reports of widespread displacement and famine affecting approximately 25 million people. As the RSF announces the formation of a rival government territory, international efforts such as this conference highlight the urgent need for action and a renewed commitment to diplomacy. Despite the financial commitments made during the conference, the tensions remain high, and the lack of political will, as noted by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, poses a significant barrier to achieving peace in the region. The voices of Sudanese officials, excluded from the conference, serve as a poignant reminder that any effective solution must include all parties involved. The complexity and prolonged nature of this conflict underscore the need for a multifaceted approach that prioritizes humanitarian needs while addressing the political deadlock. Observers warn that if not carefully managed, the continuation of this conflict risks partitioning Sudan, leading to further loss of life and destabilization throughout the region. The international community's role will be crucial in exerting pressure on belligerent parties to pursue a peaceful resolution and halt the ongoing atrocities. Furthermore, urgent humanitarian assistance to address immediate needs must be a part of this overarching strategy to prevent a deeper catastrophe for millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.