Berlin conference: Sudan rejects exclusion of Khartoum

Sudan has denounced a conference held in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, to mobilise humanitarian efforts for the war-hit country. It criticised the conference as a “colonial tutelage approach” and accused Western countries of attempting to impose their agenda without consulting Khartoum. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said organising the conference without […]

Sudan has denounced a conference held in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, to mobilise humanitarian efforts for the war-hit country.

It criticised the conference as a “colonial tutelage approach” and accused Western countries of attempting to impose their agenda without consulting Khartoum.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said organising the conference without coordination with the Sudanese government reflects “disregard for the visions presented by the Sudanese state and its official institutions.”

The conference, held in Berlin, brought together Sudanese political and civilian groups and aims to mobilise support for people affected by the ongoing war, as well as explore pathways toward ending the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Khartoum said the move “reflects a colonial tutelage approach still practised by some Western countries,” warning that Sudan “will not accept” efforts by foreign governments or international organisations to decide on its affairs while bypassing the state under the pretext of neutrality.

The ministry further cautioned against what it described as attempts to equate the Sudanese government and national army with the RSF, which it labelled a “criminal, multinational terrorist militia,” saying such framing could undermine regional and international security.

It also criticised the conference’s characterisation of the conflict as “incorrect and biased,” warning that it risks deepening divisions rather than contributing to peace, and objected to what it described as the limited representation of Sudan through selected groups.

Sudan government reiterated that it remains committed to ending the war and is open to “serious and fair peace initiatives,” provided they respect the country’s sovereignty and are conducted in coordination with the government.

Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023 between the army and the RSF over disputes related to the integration of forces, a war that has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and pushed parts of the country toward famine, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has said more than 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) had been pledged for Sudan at the international aid conference.

“The fact that, in a world of dwindling humanitarian resources, participants have already pledged more than 1.3 billion euros in support is a good sign.

“For this, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all donors,” Wadephul said.

Nigeria reaffirms support for peace in Sudan

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in Sudan, as well as strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.

This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr Mohamed Abdelaal, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ambassador Ahmed noted that Nigeria and Sudan share longstanding historical and cultural ties rooted in centuries of interaction, migration, and mutual cooperation.

He emphasised that both countries remain closely connected, with shared interests in regional peace and development.

The Sudanese Ambassador, in his remarks, highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations and the strong integration of persons of Nigerian origin within Sudanese society.

He also briefed the Permanent Secretary on recent developments in Sudan, including ongoing recovery efforts in parts of the country affected by conflict.

While acknowledging the progress made in restoring stability in certain areas, the Sudanese envoy expressed concern over continued external interference and its implications for prolonged conflict and regional security.

Both sides underscored the importance of ending hostilities through dialogue and negotiation, noting that the crisis in Sudan has broader implications for peace and security across Africa, particularly within the Sahel region.

Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Nigeria’s active role within the African Union and the international community in advocating for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive political processes and constructive engagement.