EU allocates 40 million Euro to assist Sudan in humanitarian domains
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - The EU Commission has allocated Sudan 40 million Euro as part of a package of 294.2 million euro in humanitarian funding to assist vulnerable populations in East and Southern Africa in 2022, a press statement published by Sudan News Agency SUNA said on Sunday.
The continued political gridlock following the October 2021 military coup has led to drastic reduction in the financial capacity to respond to the growing needs. This has potentially devastating consequences on the economy and people of Sudan.
The EU has pointed out that with regard to Sudan, most development actors have suspended their aid. In addition, it argued, the authorities cannot provide the necessary support for ensuring basic services, including protection, health and nutrition.
The EU explained that recent political developments have also opened the door for renewed inter-ethnic violence and further instability in some areas.
A report published by the EU Commission said in 2022, almost 11 million people in Sudan will experience food shortages and more than 14 million will require humanitarian aid.
This represents 30% of Sudan’s population, the highest rate in a decade, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
“Food insecurity remains alarmingly high due to conflict, economic decline and inflation with increasing food and fuel prices. It is exacerbated by the impact of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Sudan has more than 3 million people internally displaced and hosts over 1.1 million refugees due to internal conflicts and regional instability.
The situation is most acute in the Darfur region, which hosts more than 80% of those internally displaced. In 2021, over 200 incidents of violence were reported in this region, destroying livelihoods and leading to new displacement.
The EU said the 294.2 million euro in humanitarian funding will be allocated to projects in Djibouti (€500,000), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region (€44 million), Ethiopia (€48 million), Kenya (€13 million), Somalia (€41 million), Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region (€27 million), South Sudan (€41.7 million) and Uganda (€30 million).
It quoted the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, as saying: “The serious challenges faced by vulnerable populations in East and Southern Africa have been exacerbated due to severe weather events, political instability and conflict, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity is growing due to droughts and floods, while limited access to humanitarian workers makes the situation worse."
He said numerous violations of International Humanitarian Law continue to affect the region.
The EU assistance will be used not only to help the affected populations meet basic needs but also strengthen disaster prevention and preparedness, and support school children across the region through education in emergency projects.
-0- PANA MO/MA 20Feb2022
