Foreign Ministers’ meeting on the third anniversary of the war in Sudan: Norway provides NOK 470 million in humanitarian and long-term aid

Press release | Date: 17/04/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The conflict in Sudan has developed into the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with gross abuses against civilians and serious geopolitical consequences, both within and outside the region.

On the third anniversary of the outbreak of war, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide is attending a ministerial meeting on Sudan in Berlin. International and Sudanese actors are meeting here to discuss how the war can be stopped, and how we can ensure better access to humanitarian aid.

Both the immediate humanitarian response and the need to initiate a broadly based political process are central to the discussions.

'Only a lasting peace can put an end to the suffering in Sudan. Continued hostilities only make an already catastrophic situation even worse. Norway supports the international efforts to secure a ceasefire and is actively contributing to the work towards a political process for the reunification of the country, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

'It must be the Sudanese themselves who take the lead in this and lay the foundations for a transition to democratic rule for and by the Sudanese people. Civil society must be allowed to play a central role in this work', said Eide.

Humanitarian situation deteriorating

Three years into the war, the situation in Sudan has deteriorated dramatically. Millions of people are affected, humanitarian needs are increasing, and there are unfortunately few signs that the parties are willing to seek a political solution.

'This is a brutal war that has inflicted unimaginable suffering on the civilian population. I am appalled by the scale of abuses such as mass killings, rape and torture. UN reports indicate that these may constitute both war crimes and crimes against humanity', said Development Minister Åsmund Aukrust.

The development minister also expresses support and sympathy for the civilian population in Sudan.

It is extremely difficult to get emergency aid for those who need it the most.

'The parties are deliberately placing obstacles in the way of humanitarian access, and starvation is being used as a method of warfare. The parties are obliged to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. International law is not optional, and violations must have consequences', said Aukrust.

Norway steps up its support

Norway has more than doubled its support for the civilian population in Sudan since the war began. The UN, Norwegian, international and Sudanese organisations are making a significant effort to save lives and secure the livelihoods of millions of people.

'The efforts of civil society and local organisations in Sudan are deeply impressive. Amidst massive destruction, the Sudanese people have shown enormous strength', said the Minister of Development.

At the conference in Berlin, Foreign Minister Eide will announce that Norway has allocated NOK 470 million for humanitarian and long-term aid to Sudan in 2026. In addition, Norway provides core funding to the UN and other international organisations and funds operating in the country.