Two years of conflict have resulted in a catastrophic conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Over 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 24 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine.
The London conference on Sudan on 15 April on the second anniversary of the conflict was co-hosted by the UK, the EU, Germany and France, with the aim of bringing together a range of regional partners and to establish a group that could drive the parties to the conflict to focus on political mediation. It is on this basis, that I understand neither the de-facto Sudanese authorities in Port Sudan nor Sudanese civil society were present. A joint communiqué was not agreed at the meeting.
While Ireland and other EU member states were only involved in the conference through the EU, we will continue to engage actively on the crisis through all diplomatic channels available. At the recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland raised the urgent need for increased and flexible humanitarian funding, and for sustained pressure in support of a cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations. We will continue to advocate for a single mediation process, ideally led by the African Union. Ireland will continue to support the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa in all her efforts to promote mediation.
Ireland’s allocation of €14 million in bilateral assistance for Sudan in 2024 reflects our determination to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan and neighbouring countries hosting refugees. So far in 2025, we have provided €5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, as well as €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan. Wherever possible, we aim to support local civil society, particularly those operating in Emergency Response Rooms, whose work is critical to the humanitarian response. We will continue to do everything we can to provide assistance and to keep Sudan on the international agenda.
