U.S. Commits $203 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Alleviate Severe Crisis and Prevent Further Destabilization in Sudan
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
3 minutes read. Updated 3:14PM GMT Mon, 22July, 2024
In a critical move to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the United States has pledged a substantial $203 million in aid, aiming to prevent the ongoing conflict from destabilizing the wider region. This announcement, made by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, underscores the urgent need for international intervention as the crisis continues to escalate.
According to the United Nations, nearly 9 million individuals have been displaced within Sudan, with over 1 million having fled the country. The conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives, has largely been overshadowed by other global crises, such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
In her address to reporters in New York, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that this new round of aid is intended to serve as a catalyst for further international action. “We hope this new round of aid serves as a call to action for others to follow. Partners will use this funding to build new shelters for refugees, provide cash assistance for rent, and support children whose lives have been disrupted by the conflict, among other critical needs,” she stated.
The dire conditions in Sudan are evident, with reports indicating that approximately 750,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly, are facing severe food shortages and starvation. “People are resorting to eating dirt and relying on tree leaves for nutrition due to the extreme scarcity of food,” Thomas-Greenfield added.
The conflict, which erupted just over a year ago, has forced tens of thousands of individuals to seek refuge in neighboring Chad. Despite the U.N.’s appeal for $2.7 billion in humanitarian aid, only $155 million—about 6% of the requested amount—has been received thus far.
Thomas-Greenfield also called on influential stakeholders to exert pressure on the warring parties to negotiate and reach a peaceful resolution. “My call is for those who have influence on the warring parties to press them to come to the table, because until they do, the people of Sudan will continue to suffer. There is no military solution to this situation,” she concluded.
For more information on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the international response, visit the UN’s official report and U.S. Department of State’s updates.
