Doha: Minister of Finance and Planning of the Republic of Sudan, Dr. Gibril Ibrahim, described the crisis in his country as the most severe humanitarian crisis the world is currently witnessing, yet one that has not received the attention it deserves due to the overshadowing impact of other conflicts, such as the war in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
According to Qatar News Agency, speaking on the sidelines of the second day of the Global Security Forum 2025 in Doha, Dr. Ibrahim stated that around 12 million people have been internally displaced due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with more than two million having sought refuge in neighboring countries. He described the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan as extremely dire.
Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2736, which calls on Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to lift the siege on Al Fashir, de-escalate in surrounding areas, and withdraw all fighters threatening civilian safety, Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that the siege continues, with no solutions presented so far. He highlighted that people in Al Fashir and Darfur are starving due to the ongoing blockade and restrictions on humanitarian aid access.
Regarding the estimated cost of reconstruction, the minister stressed the need for specialized agencies and experts to assess the war damage and called on United Nations, World Bank, and African Development Bank to take on this task.
He affirmed that the Sudanese government's current priority is ensuring safe return of refugees, restoration of essential services, and provision of resources to help farmers resume production. He emphasized that Sudan has not yet received any international support to reclaim areas under RSF control, urging the international community to pay closer attention to Sudan's crisis and contribute to its recovery and reconstruction.
Dr. Ibrahim also underscored the difficult living conditions for Sudanese citizens, particularly the many who have lived in refugee camps for years. He noted the severe impact on children who have lost access to education, calling for urgent action to address these challenges.
He concluded by revealing that Sudan lost around 80% of its revenue sources since the first day of the war. The government's current focus, he said, is on achieving development without luxury - prioritizing essential services such as healthcare, education, energy, and agriculture to meet the basic needs of the Sudanese people.