USAID warns closed border crossings deepen Sudan crisis, announces new aid
USAID called on international partners to increase their support for Sudan as the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing an additional $315 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan as the country's crisis worsens, USAID Director Samantha Power announced recently, writes Winston Mwale.
During a media briefing with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Power emphasized that Sudan faces a potentially catastrophic famine due to blocked humanitarian aid, particularly following the closure of the Adré border crossing.
"Sudan is facing a humanitarian crisis that could surpass the famine which claimed a quarter of a million Somali lives in 2011," Power said.
She warned the situation could become the worst famine since Ethiopia in the early 1980s.
Key points from the briefing:
- About 12 million people in Sudan and neighboring countries are seeking safety.
- 80% of hospitals in conflict areas have ceased operations.
- Nearly 25 million Sudanese need humanitarian assistance and protection.
- Up to 15% of the population in Darfur and Kordofan are at risk of dying by September 2024.
Thomas-Greenfield highlighted recent ethnically motivated massacres in West Darfur and deteriorating food security. She noted that El Fasher, one of the last safe havens for civilians, faced aerial and indiscriminate shelling last month.
A recent U.N. Security Council resolution demands an end to the siege and attacks in El Fasher, calling for an immediate local ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid flow.
International activist Hassan Ghazaly urged global media to spotlight the crisis, emphasizing the need for support to Sudan's neighbors, particularly Egypt, which has been aiding Sudanese refugees.
USAID called on international partners to increase their support for Sudan as the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate.