UAE, Ethiopia, AU, and IGAD Host High-Level Conference to Address Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), co-hosted the “High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The conference aimed to mobilize international support to address Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis and advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan.

The event was attended by prominent regional and global leaders, including Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya; António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General; Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; and representatives from IGAD, alongside international organizations and key stakeholders.

During his address, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. “Today, as we approach the holy month of Ramadan, the UAE, together with Ethiopia, the AU, and IGAD, convened nations and international organizations in Addis Ababa to renew commitments to humanitarian relief. As the first conference of its kind this year, this landmark event serves as a catalyst for future efforts to assist Sudan,” he stated.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan underscored the UAE’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid, announcing an additional contribution of $200 million, bringing the total UAE assistance to Sudan to $600.4 million since the onset of the crisis. He further highlighted that over the past decade, the UAE has provided $3.5 billion in aid to the Sudanese people, reinforcing its dedication to global humanitarian efforts.

Calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan stressed that humanitarian access should never be obstructed, asserting that “no entity should have the right to arbitrarily challenge lifesaving assistance.” He urged all parties to respect the sanctity of Ramadan by implementing a humanitarian ceasefire, ensuring unhindered access to essential aid, particularly for children, the elderly, and women.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali reaffirmed Ethiopia’s solidarity with Sudan, citing the deep historical ties between the two nations. “As a close neighbor and sister nation, Ethiopia stands with the Sudanese people during these challenging times. Over the past six years, Ethiopia has actively supported Sudan’s peace and stability, including economic cooperation through a dedicated electricity transmission line,” he stated.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, strongly condemned the ongoing conflict, describing it as a “moral and political failure.” He urged the warring factions, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to immediately and unconditionally agree to a permanent ceasefire, facilitating an inclusive political dialogue to restore Sudan’s constitutional order.

Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, underscored the urgency of the situation, calling for tangible actions beyond verbal commitments. “The future of millions of Sudanese hangs in the balance. Now more than ever, we must move beyond pledges and focus on coordinated interventions that alleviate suffering and lay the foundation for long-term recovery,” he stated.

In his address, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan reiterated the UAE’s steadfast position in advocating for an immediate ceasefire and delivering urgent relief aid. He emphasized the fundamental rights of the Sudanese people to safety, food, medical care, and shelter, asserting that humanitarian assistance should never be subjected to bureaucratic hindrances or political obstacles.

He called upon all parties to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, protect aid workers and humanitarian facilities, and cease attacks on humanitarian operations. “The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. The UAE stands firm in its support of the Sudanese people,” he concluded.

The High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan marked a significant step toward mobilizing international efforts to address the crisis, setting the stage for continued cooperation and assistance to the war-affected Sudanese population.