US pledges additional $203 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan
PAJU, SOUTH KOREA - APRIL 16: US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks to reporters at the US army base Camp Bonifas on April 16, 2024 in Paju, South Korea. The top U.S. envoy to the United Nations visit South Korea for engagements to advance bilateral and trilateral cooperation on North Korean threats and other issues. (Photo by Jung Yeon-Je - Pool/Getty Images)
The United States has pledged an additional $203 million in humanitarian aid to support the millions of civilians impacted by the conflict in Sudan, according to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
She urged other nations to increase their assistance, emphasizing that the situation constitutes the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis.
The funding aims to support both those affected within Sudan and those who have sought refuge in neighboring countries since the outbreak of violence in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
“The scale of this crisis is overwhelming. But now it’s not a moment to throw up our hands. We must continue to fight for the people of Sudan,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “People are eating dirt to survive relying on tree leaves for nutrition.”
“We hope this new round of aid serves as a call to action for others,” said Thomas-Greenfield, who visited Adre on Chad’s border with Sudan in September to meet refugees from the war.
According to the UN, nearly 25 million people – half of Sudan’s population – need aid, famine is looming and 10 million people have fled their homes. More than 2.2 million of those people have left for other countries.
The United States has accused the warring parties in Sudan of committing war crimes and alleges that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have also perpetrated crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and other atrocities.
Recent satellite imagery analysed by Reuters has revealed rapidly expanding cemeteries, indicating widespread starvation and disease.
In response, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield warned that the US is prepared to advocate for additional UN Security Council measures to ensure unfettered access for humanitarian aid to reach those most affected by the crisis, if necessary.
