EU Pledges 300 Million Euros to Sudan

The European Union today pledged a further 300 million euros in aid to Sudan over the next five years.

Speaking at the Oslo donors' conference, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel said: “Stability and democracy are vital for Sudan, Africa and the international community. Significant progress has been made since the signing of the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement in December 2004, which brought an end to the oldest and deadliest civil wars in Africa. But much remains to be done. Now that we have reached the crucial mid-point of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement implantation period, it is time for donors to step up their support for Sudan's own efforts to foster democratic renewal throughout the country. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to support Sudan in its efforts to continue the transition to a peaceful, stable and equitable democracy.”

Since 2005, the European Commission has already disbursed 1.2 billion euros in assistance to Sudan, including development and humanitarian aid and support to the African Union peace-keeping force (AMIS). This is well above the initial pledge of 500 million euros made at the April 2005 Oslo pledging conference.

The additional 300 million euros pledged today will go to development assistance in support of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. In addition, the European Commission will continue to provide vital humanitarian assistance valued at around 100 million euros for 2008.

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