Addis Ababa Conference on Humanitarian Support for Sudan, Backed by UAE, Ethiopia & AU

16th February 2025

2 minutes read

Addis Ababa Conference on Humanitarian Support for Sudan, Backed by UAE, Ethiopia & AU

On Friday, February 14, 2025, the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, hosted the “High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan”, jointly organized by the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The conference aimed to mobilize regional and international efforts to address Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis and to launch a unified call for a humanitarian truce during the holy month of Ramadan.

Several prominent figures attended the event, including H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, along with representatives from IGAD, various countries, and international and regional organizations.

In an official statement from the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, called on the warring parties in Sudan to respect the sanctity of Ramadan by implementing a humanitarian truce that ensures safe and unhindered access to aid for those in need, especially children, women, and the elderly. Additionally, the UAE announced an additional $200 million in support for the Sudanese people, bringing total UAE aid to Sudan since April 2023 to over $600 million, and $3.5 billion over the past decade.

Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) welcomed the launch of the conference and expressed their full support for efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. In a statement, they emphasized the importance of cooperation between the African Union, IGAD, the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations, and other regional and international entities to achieve stability and provide humanitarian assistance to Sudan.

It is noteworthy that the conference witnessed significant financial contributions from several allied countries. The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its commitment by announcing an additional $200 million in aid to the Sudanese people. Countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya also participated in the event, reflecting their dedication to regional and international cooperation in improving Sudan’s humanitarian situation.

Conference participants underscored the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders and international partners to tackle Sudan’s humanitarian challenges. They also emphasized the need for a firm commitment to implementing recommendations and initiatives to improve humanitarian conditions, while strengthening solidarity among nations and organizations to ensure a more effective response to humanitarian crises.

This conference represents a major step forward in strengthening international and regional cooperation to support Sudan in addressing its humanitarian crisis. It reflects the commitment of participating states and organizations to providing aid and assistance to the Sudanese people during this critical period.