International donors have pledged 1.3 billion euros ($1.5bn) in humanitarian aid for Sudan as global leaders met in Berlin on the third anniversary of the country’s civil war. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the conflict a “tragic milestone” and urged an end to the violence, warning that its consequences are destabilising the wider region. Nearly 34 million people in Sudan now need humanitarian assistance, and more than 4.5 million have been displaced since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Berlin conference brought together about a dozen foreign ministers and over 60 delegations, aiming both to raise funds and to revive stalled peace negotiations, though the warring parties were not invited. Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the meeting as a “colonial tutelage approach,” accusing Western nations of imposing their agenda without consulting Khartoum. The African Union’s chairman, Mahmoud Ali Youssou, called for an immediate ceasefire and greater unity among Sudan’s civilian groups.

Germany, the host nation, pledged 212 million euros ($250m) as part of the total aid package, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul saying the funds would help alleviate suffering and save lives.