Berlin Hosts Sudan Summit as Crisis Deepens and Calls Grow for Civilian-Led Transition
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Apr 14
Berlin Hosts Sudan Summit as Crisis Deepens and Calls Grow for Civilian-Led Transition
28 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 14
International donors gathered in Berlin on the third anniversary of Sudan's civil war to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and stalled peace process.
The conference, hosted by Germany and major partners, excluded Sudan's warring parties but included civil society leaders and former prime minister Abdalla Hamdok.
With famine looming and millions displaced, participants called for increased aid and a new civilian-led approach to break the deadlock and restore stability.
Can a Berlin conference truly end Sudan's 'greatest humanitarian crisis' without the warring parties present?
With foreign powers backing opposing sides, is Sudan's conflict an international proxy war, and can diplomacy succeed?
How can international aid overcome deliberate blockades and reach 20 million starving Sudanese?
Beyond pledges, what concrete, enforceable actions will compel a ceasefire and end the 'hallmarks of genocide'?
Given confirmed genocide and widespread atrocities, will the ICC finally receive power to deliver justice for Sudan?
As drone warfare intensifies civilian casualties, what new strategies can protect Sudanese communities?
Sudan’s Civilian-Led Peace Push at Berlin Summit Faces Boycott and 14 Million Displaced
Overview
The Berlin Summit on April 15, 2026, convened by the Quintet and African Union, aimed to promote a civilian-led political dialogue to end Sudan's devastating civil war, which began in 2023 and caused massive deaths, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. However, the Sudanese government and armed factions boycotted the summit, deepening divisions and complicating peace efforts. Sudanese civil society groups united to demand genuine inclusion and humanitarian access, influencing the summit's civilian seminar. Despite international sanctions and mediation attempts, regional rivalries and the absence of key actors have hindered progress. The ongoing conflict continues to fuel widespread suffering, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated, inclusive peace initiatives.