Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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158. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions taken by Ireland to support efforts to try to end Sudan's civil war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32753/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Government remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis as a result of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, over 15 million people have been forced to flee their homes and over 24 million people are in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine.

Working with like-minded EU member states, Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses. Ireland initiated discussion on sanctions in 2023, which led to the establishment of the EU sanctions regime. Ireland also initiated EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in October 2024, which condemned indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians, called on parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue.

At the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in April, Ireland raised the urgent need for increased and flexible humanitarian funding, and for sustained pressure in support of a cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations. Ireland is also working to support the Office of the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa in its efforts to engage with all parties to the conflict. We continue to raise the crisis in Sudan at a multilateral level, most recently at the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians on 22 May. We will continue to engage through all diplomatic channels available, and in particular to advocate for a single mediation process, ideally led by the African Union.

Ireland provided €14 million in humanitarian and development assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries in 2024. Our assistance included funding channelled through UN partners and Irish NGOs, including support to Concern, GOAL and Trócaire.

So far in 2025, Ireland has provided €5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, as well as €2.7 million to NGOs operating in Sudan. We will continue to work to keep Sudan on the international agenda and to support mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring the much-needed democratic transition.