UAE pledges another $200 million in humanitarian funding for Sudan
Addis Ababa
The UAE on Friday pledged another $200 million in humanitarian funding for Sudan, with Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan saying the crisis in the country demands “our immediate and collective action”.
The UAE, Ethiopia, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development are hosting a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa to mobilise urgent support for the Sudanese people, as war rages between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Representatives of countries including France, Canada and the US have joined the UAE, the UN and African partners in calling for a Ramadan ceasefire – a call previously rejected by the Sudanese army.
About 190 people are set to attend the conference, including representatives from at least 50 countries and international organisations.
“The situation in Sudan must be addressed and we must all address it together,” Sheikh Shakhbout said during a media conference in Addis Ababa.
Sudan’s civil war, which started in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and devastated the country. Famine has been detected in at least five areas of Sudan, including three camps for displaced people in Darfur, the Integrated Food Security Classification has said.
The Sudanese army and the RSF have been accused of obstructing the delivery of aid during the conflict. Humanitarian groups say they have struggled to reach the most vulnerable people, especially in the western region of Darfur.
“Since April 2023, the UAE has provided over $400 million to support the Sudanese people in Sudan and neighbouring countries who have so generously welcomed Sudanese refugees,” Sheikh Shakhbout said. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Sudan by announcing an additional $200 million in humanitarian funding. This support reflects our unwavering solidarity since, in the last decade alone, we have stood by our brothers and sisters in Sudan with $3.5 billion.
“We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to immediately guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan, to protect aid workers and humanitarian facilities, and to cease attacks on humanitarian operations. The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated. The UAE stands firm in its support of the Sudanese people.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his country would continue to stand with Sudan in its time of need. It will offer refuge to Sudanese fleeing the conflict, he added.
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