U.S announces more than $47m in aid assistance to Sudan, Chad

March 21, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – The United States has announced more than $47 million in humanitarian assistance for the emergency response in Sudan, neigbouring Chad and South Sudan.

The U.S, represented by Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes met the Chadian Prime Minister Succès Masra, the State Department said on Wednesday.

Sudan, the United Nations says, is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, with over 8 million people newly displaced since the conflict began last April, and nearly 25 million people needing aid.

This reportedly includes more than one million Sudanese refugees who have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR).

“Through the generosity of the American people, this U.S. humanitarian assistance provides critical life-saving assistance including food, water and sanitation facilities, shelter, medical services including mental health support, and protection to Sudanese fleeing the conflict,” the statement said.

This announcement, according to the State Department spokesperson, brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance for people in Sudan and neighboring countries to more than $968 million since FY 2023.  

The U.S, further noted the statement, will continue to work with international and local partners to provide life-saving support to the millions of people affected by the devastating conflict in Sudan.

The leading humanitarian donor to the Sudan emergency response, the U.S urged the international community to help alleviate the suffering of over 1 million refugees forced to flee due to violence. 

It said parties to Sudan’s conflict should allow unhindered humanitarian access, including both cross-line and cross-border, engage in direct talks, agree to a ceasefire and immediately end hostilities.

“Preventing a famine and long-term catastrophe will require both a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access,” concluded the State Department statement.

(ST)