Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-04-17 10:06:34
The Paris conference on April 16, 2024, where donors pledged over 2 billion Euros to aid Sudan, has been criticized by an international aid agency for falling short in addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Oxfam International, a major humanitarian organization, slammed the outcome of the conference, stating that the pledged funds are insufficient to meet the urgent needs of Sudan and its neighboring countries.
The conference gathered ministers and representatives from 58 States, including neighboring countries and regional organizations such as the African Union, the IGAD, the League of Arab States, the UN Envoy for Sudan, and UN agencies. Despite the promising amount of $2 billion that was promised, Oxfam’s Africa Director, Fati N’Zi Hassane, pointed out that this amount is less than half of the $4.1 billion that is urgently required to address the crisis effectively.
Hassane expressed her concern over the disregard for the lives of millions of people suffering in Sudan and neighboring countries, such as the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. These countries, already fragile, are struggling to support refugees fleeing from Sudan while dealing with their own crises. Without immediate funding, their ability to respond to the crisis will collapse, putting millions at risk.
Oxfam highlighted the underfunding in Chad, where the response plan is only 25% funded, and in Ethiopia, where only 23% of the Sudan refugee response needs are being met, resulting in critical services being suspended. In South Sudan, millions are in need of aid, with over 1.6 million children at risk of malnutrition.
Moreover, within Sudan itself, only 3.1% of the $2.7 billion appeal has been secured, indicating a lack of financial support for the country’s urgent needs. Oxfam called on donors and the international community to act swiftly and decisively to provide life-saving aid to prevent a catastrophic hunger crisis in the region. The organization also urged warring parties to implement a ceasefire to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.
The conflict in Sudan has forced nearly 9 million people to flee their homes, according to the UN, with 25 million people in Sudan requiring assistance. The country is on the brink of a famine, with 18 million people already facing hunger. The UN has warned of a potential famine this year if immediate action is not taken to address the crisis.
In conclusion, the outcomes of the Paris conference on Sudan have raised concerns about the insufficient funding and support to address the dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Oxfam’s call for swift and decisive action from donors and the international community is essential to prevent further suffering and save lives in Sudan and its neighboring countries.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
