$1.5bn pledged as world scrambles to avert Sudan catastrophe

An international donors’ conference on Sudan convened in Washington this week amid mounting international pressure to halt a conflict that has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, now entering its third year.

The conference brought together representatives from the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, and other governments and international organizations, as warnings intensify over worsening famine, mass displacement, and the collapse of basic services across large parts of Sudan.

Addressing the event, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said the humanitarian crisis in Sudan has “endured for more than 1,000 days,” marked by famine, “brutal atrocities,” and large-scale displacement, with women and girls facing acute risks, including “terrifying sexual violence.” Fletcher said Sudan represents the most critical component of the UN’s 2026 global humanitarian response plan, which aims to reach 87 million people worldwide.

Fletcher said the United Nations and its partners “aim to deliver life-saving assistance to more than 14 million people across Sudan this year,” including food, medical aid, water, sanitation services, and protection support for women and vulnerable groups. He stressed, however, that funding alone would not be sufficient without improved humanitarian access, civilian protection, and a sustained ceasefire.

The conference focused on mobilizing new funding commitments to address a widening financing gap that has constrained humanitarian operations. According to U.S. officials, total pledges announced during the Washington event were expected to reach approximately USD 1.5 billion.

The United Arab Emirates announced a USD 500 million contribution to a United Nations humanitarian fund for Sudan. UAE Minister of State Lana Zaki Nusseibeh said the pledge reflects the “enduring commitment to ensuring that civilians affected by this devastating civil war can access life-saving necessities.”

Nusseibeh stated that more than 30 million Sudanese, over half the population, currently require humanitarian assistance. She also reaffirmed the UAE’s position that “Sudan’s future must be determined by its people through a civilian-led, inclusive political transition,” calling for “a permanent ceasefire independent of both warring parties.”

The United States separately announced an additional pledge of nearly USD 200 million for Sudan. U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said Washington is intensifying efforts to secure a humanitarian truce ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with the aim of facilitating unimpeded aid access. Boulos acknowledged that progress toward a ceasefire has been limited despite diplomatic efforts, adding that the continued fighting is undermining humanitarian operations.

The conference took place amid renewed diplomatic engagement by a so-called Quad grouping comprising the United States, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which is working on a peace proposal aimed at securing a humanitarian truce and advancing a broader political process. UN officials said Sudan would serve as a test case for reforms aimed at improving the efficiency, coordination, and security of humanitarian operations.

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and driven parts of the country into famine. Sudan has accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, an allegation denied by Abu Dhabi.

The latest donor pledges come at a time when much of Sudan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis as fighting intensifies. Humanitarian access has been heavily restricted, and there have been recent reports of humanitarian convoys being attacked. Despite diplomatic efforts, a ceasefire remains highly uncertain, while competing interests among various regional actors, who have supported and continue to support the warring factions, are growing.