Sudan civil war crisis 'probably the most horrendous in the world'
South Sudanese people wait for talk on gender violence in the Athiem Medical Centre. Picture: Eugene Ikua/Concern Worldwide
The crisis in Sudan caused by civil war is “probably the most horrendous in the world”, with aid needed to bring stability to the region, the minister of state for international development has said.
The two-year conflict had led to famine, the destruction of capital city Khartoum, and estimates of around 150,000 deaths along with thousands more being brutalised — including high rates of sexual violence.
Advocating for greater attention on this conflict is part of the Irish programme for government.
Minister of state Neale Richmond said the region requires specific mention for a number of reasons.
“The conflict in Sudan and the situation in Sudan is probably the most horrendous in the world at the moment in terms of the level of poverty, in terms of malnutrition, and indeed just the humanitarian disaster that is unfolding,” he said.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for a ceasefire in December, and this approach is part of Ireland’s efforts to highlight the conflict at EU level.
“It is so vitally important that we use the EU as a tool to get aid and humanitarian support where it needs to be, but equally that we maintain that political discussion and put the pressure on the government in Sudan to make sure they can make it work,” Mr Richmond said.
Political support can help to “put pressure to agree ceasefires, to enter negotiations, and say we’ll be there to provide support and make sure the rebuilding happens,” he added.
He expects Ireland will attend at a conference in London to discuss the conflict in two weeks.
Famine has been declared in 10 regions of Sudan with the economy and health services destroyed.
“One of the biggest issues with the region is actually getting humanitarian aid to those who need it,” he said, adding 50% of the population there rely on humanitarian aid.
There is also unease among aid agencies at the sudden drop in American support particularly from USAid under president Donald Trump.
Ireland made funding payments in February instead of May to agencies including UN Women in response, the minister said.
Concern Worldwide and Goal have already announced job cuts.
“Last year, we were one of the few European countries to increase our aid budget. We were one of the few European countries who didn’t cut our aid budget,” he said.
“I have made it quite clear it is my ambition going into the budgetary discussions — which are some months away — to not only maintain our budget, but I will be seeking increases. I think now is the time to do it.”
He pointed out the Irish economy, including rising grocery and energy costs, is not immune to conflict elsewhere.
“All of that stems from global instability — Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, but also instability around the Horn of Africa, and the very clear shipping routes. It has a huge impact,” he said.
“The more the world is unstable, the more people are facing conflict, crippling hunger, and poverty, the more danger there is in the world.”
Aid can address these problems, he said, adding: “We are not just doing it to feel good, we are doing it because it has a material impact on every household in this county as well.”
The overall budget for Irish Aid, the Government’s official development assistance programme, for this year is €810m.
This includes support for Sudan, South Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and other regions around the world.
