Berlin Conference: Sudan’s Crisis Deepens as Malta’s Aid Promise Falters

In the heart of Berlin, diplomats and aid workers gather, their faces etched with concern. They’re there to discuss Sudan, a nation torn apart by three years of war. But as they meet, the situation on the ground worsens, with millions facing famine and displacement. Closer to home, Malta’s pledge to help Sudanese refugees stalls, raising questions about our commitment.

Berlin Conference: A Glimpse into Sudan’s Despair

The Berlin Conference on Sudan, held in late March, was a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the African nation. With over 4.5 million people displaced and nearly 16 million in need of humanitarian aid, Sudan is on the brink of collapse. The conference aimed to raise funds and coordinate international efforts, but the task is daunting.

Germany pledged €170 million, but it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the estimated €3.8 billion needed this year alone. The UN’s Sudan humanitarian response plan is just 17% funded, leaving millions at risk. Meanwhile, fighting continues, with clashes in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states displacing thousands more.

Malta’s Role: Promises and Challenges

Malta, too, has a role to play. In 2019, then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat pledged to resettle 100 Sudanese refugees from Libya. Three years on, only a fraction have arrived. The process, slowed by bureaucracy and the pandemic, has left many wondering if Malta will honour its commitment.

Today, Malta hosts around 1,000 Sudanese refugees, many living in overcrowded centers like Hal Far. They face challenges integrating into Maltese society, with language barriers and limited job opportunities. Yet, they bring with them a wealth of skills and experiences that could enrich our island.

: Can Malta Do More?

As the international community grapples with Sudan’s crisis, Malta must ask itself: what more can we do? We’ve taken in refugees before, from Libya and Syria. We’ve shown we can respond to crises, even if our capacity is limited. But with each passing day, more Sudanese face starvation and violence. We must push for faster resettlement, more aid, and better integration policies.

Dr. Alfred Degiorgio, a Maltese doctor who’s worked with Sudanese refugees, puts it starkly: “We can’t turn our backs on these people. They’ve fled war and persecution. They deserve a chance to build a new life, here or elsewhere.”

As the Berlin Conference fades from the headlines, let’s not forget Sudan. Let’s push our government to do more, to honour its promises, and to show the world that Malta stands with the people of Sudan in their hour of need.