International Efforts for Peace and Aid
Germany and the African Union (AU) have reaffirmed their commitment to co-host the third international conference on Sudan in Berlin on April 15, 2026. The conference is set to focus on advancing peace efforts and mobilizing essential humanitarian support for the conflict-ridden nation. This significant event will bring together international stakeholders to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, which has been described as the world's largest humanitarian emergency.
German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul confirmed Germany's dedication to the initiative during discussions with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssou in Addis Ababa.
A Series of Global Engagements
The upcoming Berlin conference marks the third such international gathering dedicated to Sudan. Previous conferences were held in Paris in 2024 and London in 2025, underscoring sustained international concern and efforts to resolve the Sudanese conflict. These meetings aim to coordinate international mediation efforts and increase pressure on the warring parties to engage in serious negotiations.
Sudan's Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
Sudan's conflict, which erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is nearing its third year and continues to devastate the country. The United Nations has characterized the situation as the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with dire consequences for the civilian population.
- More than 21 million people are facing acute food insecurity, with famine confirmed in several areas.
- Nearly 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, making it the largest displacement crisis globally.
- An estimated 33.7 million people, approximately two-thirds of the population, are projected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026.
- The conflict has resulted in an estimated 150,000 deaths since 2023.
- The health system is severely compromised, with over one-third of health facilities non-functional.
International organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), estimate that billions of dollars are needed to address the crisis in 2026, with the WFP alone requiring USD 700 million for its operations from January to June 2026.
Germany's Ongoing Role
Germany has a long-standing involvement in supporting peace and development in Sudan. Following the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Germany resumed bilateral development cooperation and organized a Sudan partnership conference in June 2020 to mobilize political and financial support for the country's transition. The upcoming conference in Berlin signifies Germany's continued commitment to fostering stability and providing aid amidst the ongoing turmoil.
5 Comments
Africa
Mobilizing funds for aid is absolutely necessary given the crisis, and this conference aims to do that. However, the fact that 150,000 have died and 12 million are displaced shows that political solutions are lagging far behind the humanitarian need.
ZmeeLove
Another conference? The last two didn't stop the fighting or famine. Just more talk.
Bella Ciao
While it's positive to see continued international attention on Sudan, I worry if these conferences truly translate into effective on-the-ground change. We need more than just discussions; we need tangible results for the suffering population.
Bermudez
It's vital that the international community doesn't forget Sudan, and another conference keeps it on the agenda. But without genuinely pressuring the SAF and RSF, these gatherings risk becoming repetitive without significant impact on the conflict itself.
Coccinella
Too little, too late for millions. Where was this urgency years ago?