Berlin Conference Opens with Focus on Peace and Aid

The Third International Conference on Sudan commenced in Berlin on Tuesday, drawing around 40 political and civilian figures from across Sudanese civil society. The one-day event, co-organized by Germany, the European Union, the African Union, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is aimed at mobilising international support for peace efforts, delivering humanitarian aid, and easing the worsening crisis in the country, as reported by Radio Dabanga and AllAfrica.

The conference coincides with the third anniversary of the war that broke out on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, along with allied groups on both sides. Efforts to reach a settlement have so far failed, according to multiple reports.

Coverage Comparison

Two articles from AllAfrica, based on reporting by Radio Dabanga journalist Suleiman Siri, provide consistent coverage of the conference's opening. Both reports highlight the exclusion of Sudan's warring parties from the conference, a decision that has drawn both praise and criticism. The reports also note widespread anger over the invitations and selection criteria, with some political and civilian groups welcoming the meeting while others, particularly the governments based in Port Sudan and Nyala, have voiced strong opposition.

The Port Sudan government, which had reportedly sought an invitation to the conference, announced a boycott after failing to secure one. Prime Minister Kamil Idris confirmed this in remarks to visiting foreign journalists in Khartoum last Thursday, saying he had warned Germany's foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, against ignoring his government. Idris was quoted as saying, "If the Berlin conference on 15 April does not include the government of Sudan, I can assure you, frankly and with full confidence, that it will be a complete failure."

A key point of contention is the presence of figures that the Port Sudan government accuses of fuelling the war. The "Tasees" administration, based in Port Sudan, criticised the invitation of these figures but did not object to the conference itself or its agenda, as reported in both articles.

Key Claims

  • The conference aims to mobilise international support for peace efforts, deliver humanitarian aid, and ease the worsening crisis, according to reports from Radio Dabanga and AllAfrica.
  • Sudan's warring parties have been excluded from the conference, a decision confirmed by multiple reports.
  • The conference coincides with the third anniversary of the war that began on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
  • Efforts to reach a settlement have so far failed, as reported by both sources.
  • The Port Sudan government criticised the invitation of figures it accused of fuelling the war, according to multiple reports.
  • Prime Minister Kamil Idris warned Germany's foreign minister against ignoring his government, as stated in both articles.
  • A claim that the conference may not produce tangible results due to the presence of Islamist groups was carried by a single outlet and has not been independently verified.
  • Humanitarian issues, such as food aid and safe conditions for displaced people, are urgent priorities, according to multiple reports.

Perspectives

The conference has drawn a mixed response from Sudanese political and civilian groups. Supporters see it as an opportunity to mobilise international support and address the humanitarian crisis, which has left millions in need of aid. Critics, particularly the Port Sudan government, argue that the exclusion of the official government undermines the conference's legitimacy and effectiveness.

Prime Minister Kamil Idris's warning that the conference would fail without the Sudanese government's participation underscores the deep divisions over representation. Meanwhile, the organisers' decision to exclude warring parties is seen by some as a necessary step to focus on civilian voices and humanitarian concerns, while others view it as a setback for meaningful peace negotiations.

The presence of figures accused by the Port Sudan government of fuelling the war adds another layer of controversy. El Nour Hamad, whose affiliation is not specified in the reports, argued that the Port Sudan government has representatives attending the conference on its behalf, a claim carried by a single outlet and not yet independently verified.

As the conference proceeds, the urgent humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people remain a central concern. The delivery of food aid and the creation of safe conditions for displaced populations are priorities highlighted in the reports, though the path to achieving these goals remains uncertain given the ongoing conflict and political disagreements.