U.S. Pledges Additional $100 Million in Aid Amid Ongoing Sudan Conflict
Griffith Sarah
Apr 14, 2024
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will announce an additional $100 million in aid to address the escalating conflict in Sudan. This funding boost aims to intensify global efforts in response to the humanitarian crisis, coinciding with the anniversary of the conflict.
USAID Administrator Samantha Power highlighted that the new funds would be allocated towards emergency food assistance, nutrition support, and other critical aid. Power also urged the warring factions in Sudan to cease obstructing humanitarian efforts and to engage sincerely in negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
Reflecting on the devastating impact of the conflict that began on April 15, 2023, Power remarked,
"A year ago tomorrow, the people of Sudan awoke to a nightmare." The clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have transformed urban areas into war zones, leading to thousands of deaths and leaving many civilians trapped without essential supplies.
The ongoing violence has not only resulted in significant loss of life—with the exact death toll remaining uncertain—but has also led to the world’s largest displacement crisis, severe food shortages, and widespread ethnically motivated violence and sexual assaults, particularly in Sudan’s Darfur region.
In anticipation of a key humanitarian conference set for April 15 in France, the U.S. is calling on international partners to prioritize the Sudanese crisis and enhance their contributions.
"We call on others to join us in increasing support to the people of Sudan and urgently mobilizing additional support for the Sudanese response," stated Power.
This pledge of support from the U.S. aims to catalyze a stronger international response as the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate.
This development reflects the ongoing global power interests in exerting influence on African territories, with reports of Iranian drones previously aiding in the ongoing conflicts in Sudan.
