Sudan: Sudan Condemns Berlin Conference As Devastating War Enters Fourth Year

Lead

As Sudan's devastating civil war enters its fourth year, the Sudanese government has condemned a donor conference hosted by Germany in Berlin, calling it a "surprising and unacceptable" interference in its internal affairs, according to multiple reports. The conference, held on Wednesday, was organized without consulting Khartoum, which warned that engaging with paramilitary groups would undermine state sovereignty, per France 24 and other outlets.

The meeting brought together governments, aid agencies, and civil society groups but excluded both warring parties—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Germany aimed to secure over €1 billion in funding commitments, and international donors ultimately pledged $1.3 billion in aid, as reported by one source. However, the conference underscored the diplomatic paralysis that has stymied previous peace efforts.

Coverage Comparison

Multiple outlets covered the Berlin conference with consistent framing, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and the war's toll. AllAfrica, France 24, and RFI reported similar facts: Sudan's condemnation, the conference's objectives, and the staggering statistics of displacement and hunger. One France 24 report took a more critical angle, focusing on the diplomatic deadlock and regional divisions, noting failed mediation efforts by the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.

Despite the unified tone, differences emerged in coverage depth. Some reports included additional details, such as famine declarations in North Darfur and South Kordofan, and the UN's appeal for $1.6 billion for refugees. The $1.3 billion pledge figure appeared in only one source, while others cited Germany's €1 billion target. None of the reports suggested that any outlet omitted key facts; rather, variations reflected editorial focus.

Key Claims

• Sudan's condemnation: The Sudanese government denounced the Berlin conference as "surprising and unacceptable" interference, stating it was organized without consultation. This claim appeared across multiple reports and was attributed to Khartoum's official response.

• Humanitarian crisis: The war has uprooted 11 million people from their homes, with nearly twice as many facing hunger, according to reports citing UN and aid agencies. The vast majority of Sudanese now live in poverty, and the UN has declared famine in El-Fasher (North Darfur) and Kadugli (South Kordofan), with 20 more areas at risk.

• Drone strike civilian deaths: Nearly 700 civilians have been killed in drone strikes since January, as attacks have escalated on both sides, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile State, according to the United Nations. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people overall.

• Diplomatic stalemate: The Berlin conference followed similar gatherings in London and Paris that failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough. Neither the SAF nor the RSF was invited, and Khartoum's precondition that RSF forces withdraw from occupied territories has stalled ceasefire efforts.

• Funding shortfall: Humanitarian funding is at only 16% of what is needed, according to the UN Development Programme representative in Sudan. While the $1.3 billion pledged will provide short-term relief, experts note that the scale of needs far exceeds current commitments.

Perspectives

Khartoum's Stance: The Sudanese government rejects any negotiation format that places the RSF on equal footing, arguing that engaging with the paramilitary group legitimizes it. This precondition has effectively stalled peace talks, as noted by Christopher Tounsel, associate professor of history at the University of Washington, who said Khartoum considers the RSF illegitimate.

International Community: Germany and other donors see the conference as a necessary step to mobilize aid and revive stalled peace talks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the crisis "the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time, which is not very often in the public eye," highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Regional Dynamics: The conflict is exacerbated by regional divisions, with the UAE accused of backing the RSF, while Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey support the Sudanese army, according to multiple sources. These divisions have complicated mediation efforts, with the US-led initiatives failing to achieve a breakthrough.

Humanitarian Experts: Researchers like Lucie Revilla of France's CNRS emphasize that the SAF seeks to monopolize any future solution, making negotiations difficult. The targeting of humanitarian groups and access constraints further impede aid delivery, leaving millions in need.

Note: The $1.3 billion pledge figure was reported by a single outlet and has not been independently verified by other sources in this coverage.