The “world’s largest humanitarian crisis” unfolding in Sudan cannot be forgotten, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Tuesday at an international aid conference in London to mark two years since civil war broke out in the north-eastern African country.
“How can we forget the world’s largest humanitarian crisis?” asked Baerbock, highlighting the plight of the “30 million who cannot survive without humanitarian assistance” and the “horrific reports of women and children being raped.”
“This war must end,” added the outgoing minister, who is set to step down in May when Germany’s next government takes office.
Germany is contributing €125 million ($142 million) in aid for Sudan and neighbouring countries, Baerbock said.
But the sum can never be enough if the conflict does not stop, she argued. “This war must end.”
Some 20 countries participated in the London Sudan Conference, alongside representatives from the African Union and the European Union.
The civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary organization and the Sudanese Armed Forces has been ongoing in the north-east African country since April 2023.
Figures from the United Nations suggest that more than 12 million people have been displaced in the conflict, while 24.6 million face acute hunger within the country.
Human rights organizations have accused both sides of war crimes such as sexual violence, attacks on civilians and ethnic cleansing.
Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, attend the London Sudan Conference at Lancaster House. Isabel Infantes/PA Wire/dpa
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks during the London Sudan Conference at Lancaster House, central London. Isabel Infantes/PA Wire/dpa
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