Some Six Billion USD Needed to Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: UN Secretary-General

Addis Ababa, February 14, 2025 (ENA) --- The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres announced that six billion USD is needed to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

He made the announcement during the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan held in Addis Ababa today.

The conference, co-hosted by Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union, and IGAD, aimed to mobilize regional and global support to address Sudan’s catastrophic humanitarian crisis and deliver a strong unified call for a humanitarian ceasefire during the month of Ramadan.

High-level officials, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President William Ruto, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, and other representatives of international organizations took part in the conference.

 

During his address, Secretary-General Guterres noted that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is escalating.

Therefore, the United Nations, in collaboration with its partners, will launch the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the 2025 Sudan Refugee Response Plan next week.

The plans aim to provide humanitarian assistance and support to Sudanese people, both within Sudan and those who have fled to neighboring countries, he added.

Guterres revealed that these plans require 6 billion USD to support the nearly 21 million people inside Sudan and up to 5 million refugees in neighboring countries.

Speaking about the challenges of humanitarian access, particularly in areas where fighting is most intense, he urged the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, and stressed the need for rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas of need.

‘‘Humanitarian access remains a fundamental challenge, particularly where the fighting is most active. Civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected, rapid, safe and unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access must be facilitated in all areas of need", the secretary-general underscored.

On his part, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said a lasting solution to the political crisis in Sudan can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue.

‘‘The African Union has worked hard for an African solution to this conflict. Just a few days ago, the AU panel on Sudan brought some Sudanese stakeholders together for its continued talks with Sudanese stakeholders. The Presidential AD Hoc Committee on Sudan, led by Uganda, was also established by the AU Peace and Security Council to engage the belligerents to this war.’’

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu stated that the response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan has been inadequate.

He emphasized the need for a sustained and coordinated response, given the scale of the crisis.

"Though the generosity of the international community is significant but not sufficient and Sudanese are still suffering. The scale of this crisis demands more and more efforts. It is imperative that we not only fulfill our existing commitments, but also mobilize additional resources to address the escalating needs for our brothers and sisters in Sudan."