Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

44. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the current situation in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37243/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government remains deeply concerned by the conflict in Sudan and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Since April 2023, the situation has continued to deteriorate, with devastating consequences.

Over 14 million people have fled their homes and over 25 million people are in acute food insecurity, some facing famine. The two main parties to the conflict – the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – are engaged on multiple fronts. Both are responsible for largescale attacks on civilians, described by the UN as amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Recent attacks on Port Sudan and a UN convoy in North Darfur mark a significant escalation in hostilities. Recently, the RSF have gained control of large parts of northern Sudan along the Egyptian and Libyan borders. Multiple external powers are providing military support to the parties. Peace negotiations have effectively halted.

Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan and initiated discussions on sanctions in 2023, leading to the establishment of the EU sanctions regime. Ireland initiated EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in 2024, which condemned both 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.

We continue to respond to the crisis in close coordination with our EU and international partners. At the April EU Foreign Affairs Council, 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.

We provided €14 million in humanitarian assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries in 2024. So far in 2025, Ireland has provided €7.7 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and direct funding to NGOs operating in Sudan. We will continue to engage through all diplomatic channels to keep Sudan on the international agenda and to support mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict.