The German Embassy in Khartoum has remained closed until further notice since the outbreak of the war between the SAF and the RSF on 15 April 2023. The German Embassies in Cairo, Addis Ababa and Nairobi are now responsible for processing the respective visa applications. Cultural relations have been wound down, and the Goethe-Institut is closed.

Germany is generally viewed as a strongly trusted partner in the Sudan. After the overthrow of al‑Bashir and the formation of a civilian-led transitional government, Germany became involved at an early stage in order to support the democratic transition. The Sudan Partnership Conference, which was co‑hosted by Germany in June 2020 and sought to provide support for the transition, mobilised funding to the tune of 1.8 billion US dollars. Germany was also a part of the debt relief effort and has relaunched its bilateral development cooperation.

In reaction to the military coup of October 2021, however, Germany suspended its support, both in the sphere of bilateral intergovernmental cooperation and at multilateral level.

Development cooperation projects that promote food security, help meet people’s basic needs and strengthen social resilience are – as far as the security situation permits – continuing to be implemented. Due to the severe human rights violations committed by the parties involved in the armed conflict, Germany has lobbied in the Human Rights Council for an expansion of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, as well as for the establishment of a fact-finding mission in the country.

In view of the dramatically deteriorating humanitarian situation, Germany in 2024 made available 325 million euro in humanitarian assistance for the crisis in the Sudan. Germany is committed to promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, which includes protecting the civilian population and improving humanitarian access. Furthermore, Germany is actively involved in coordinating mediation efforts through various formats and establishing common principles among the most important actors.