Will Pledges Turn to Lifelines for Sudan's Deepened Crisis?

Feb 16 , 2025
By Abdeta Beyene (PhD)

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The conflict in Sudan, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has caused a humanitarian emergency that deepens by the day. These two forces, once part of a single military apparatus, toppled a civilian government together but now fight each other in a struggle that has shattered any semblance of stability.

Despite repeated efforts to reconcile military and civilian groups, no lasting agreement has emerged. The crisis spirals onward. Aid organisations warn that Sudan risks sliding into the worst famine of this century if violence continues.

To address the unfolding calamity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-level humanitarian conference for the people of Sudan in Addis Abeba, on February 14, 2025.

The conference took place as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan worsened, and it sought to bring regional and international partners together to secure support for relief operations. With Ramadan approaching, the organisers also pressed for a humanitarian ceasefire that would enable the flow of aid to populations at risk.

Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan (Sheikh), UAE’s state minister for Foreign Affairs, illustrated the severity of the situation and called on the warring parties to heed the moral imperative of this time of year. The first major humanitarian conference for Sudan this year, he hoped to see it serve as a catalyst for additional measures in the months ahead.

The State Minister reaffirmed his country’s resolve to work with African and global partners to ensure vital aid reaches vulnerable communities. He deemed the need for women, children, and the elderly to be given safe access to essential supplies measures that are urgent in priorities. He also insisted that international assistance should never be tied to political conditions and should move forward without delays imposed by the conflict.

He reiterated the UAE’s partnership with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions, broker a ceasefire, and encourage dialogue to achieve lasting peace and stability for the Sudanese people.

The UAE announced 200 million dollars in support, bringing total Emirati assistance to 600 million dollars since the outbreak of the conflict. It has contributed more than 3.5 billion dollars in aid to Sudan over the past decade, showcasing a longstanding track record of supporting the country during times of turmoil.

Observers view the UAE’s new pledge as a signal to other donors ahead of a planned European pledging conference, where more funds may be announced.

The Addis Abeba conference demonstrated a renewed push by the UAE and Ethiopia to reconnect with Sudan at a high diplomatic level after a lull in concerted efforts. The initiative comes as humanitarian needs escalate and donor countries search for ways to fill gaps left by others.

The United States, for instance, recently suspended certain humanitarian funding to Sudan, and officials say American programs in the country are slowing at a crucial moment.

However, regional and global stakeholders appeared keen to show support. Representatives from all five permanent United Nations Security Council members attended the Addis Abeba talks, including its Secretary General, Antonio Guterres. Also attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD), IGAD's secretary-general, the convening indicates that they see Sudan’s unravelling as a critical threat to regional stability.

This was also the first humanitarian conference involving the Trump administration, arriving at a time when USAID operations face challenges on the ground. Diplomats and aid experts see that, despite geopolitical tensions among major powers, the sheer scale of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is driving them to seek areas of cooperation.

Beyond immediate relief needs, a sustainable solution for Sudan depends on a serious and inclusive political dialogue. While the UAE has participated in humanitarian responses in Yemen and Gaza, its current efforts in Sudan displayed a more comprehensive strategic view. Sudan’s collapse could create a haven for extremist elements and fuel broader instability in the Horn of Africa.

Though the Addis Abeba conference was not definitive on resolving Sudan’s deep-rooted conflict, it signalled a heightened sense of urgency. Officials warned that without quick action, food shortages and displacement could reach even more devastating levels. Many hope that the appeal for a Ramadan ceasefire, supported by expanded aid, will persuade the rival military forces to step back from the brink.

Yet, the real test lies in whether the momentum created this week can translate into genuine relief for millions of people in need and, ultimately, peace for a country that has been torn apart by war.

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PUBLISHED ON Feb 16, 2025 [ VOL 25 , NO 1294]

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