By Gladys Fred Kole
The government of Germany has pledged 200 million euros for humanitarian assistance to Sudan and the region until 2024.
Out of these 100 million euros, is already committed, yet to be allocated, depending on access and the evolving security situation.
The minister of state at the federal foreign office, Katja Keul, made this commitment earlier this week.
This funding pledge comes against the backdrop of a submission on the New Global Financial Pact held in Paris, France, between June 22 and 23, 2023.
The African Union, the European Union, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia also raised a total of about 1.5 billion US dollars for Sudan and the region during a pledging conference co-hosted by Germany alongside UNOCHA.
“This is part of our broader commitment to the region, which also comprises 270 million euros for resilience and peacebuilding and 3 million euros for stabilization engagement,” Katja said in the statement.
Meanwhile, the European Union Commission has also pledged a total of 190 million euros in additional humanitarian and development assistance to Sudan and the region.
“Out of the total new EU package, 8 million euros are dedicated to supporting Sudan’s neighbors to deal with the arrival of those fleeing Sudan (the war).” EU noted.
In addition, 130 million euros in EU development cooperation will support food security, resilience, and health for the most vulnerable people.
Minister of State Katja expressed her profound concern about the ongoing violence in Sudan and its influence on civilians.
“Humanitarian access must be ensured, and workers must be able to provide lifesaving assistance without fearing for their own lives.”
She recognized the impact Sudan’s conflict has on neighboring countries like South Sudan and stressed the significance of providing support to countries that have opened borders to people fleeing the conflict.
Katja appreciates neighboring countries for welcoming people who escaped violence in Sudan.
The conflict threatens stability and livelihoods in the entire region, which is why assistance to vulnerable communities within Sudan and neighboring countries must be scaled up.
It is the countries in the region that are hosting the majority of the displaced in this crisis.
“We thank those countries for their hospitality, and we will continue to stand by your side in these difficult times. Safe corridors between Sudan and neighboring countries have to be established, and borders remain open.” Katja said.
Last year, Germany was the second-largest donor of humanitarian assistance in South Sudan and the largest donor to both the South Sudan humanitarian fund and the United Nations central emergency response fund, which also pledged to provide US$65 million to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Sudan and neighboring countries.
In addition to providing humanitarian assistance, Germany supports the peace process and the long-term development of South Sudan, primarily in the fields of local governance, rural development, sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
“The hostilities must end immediately, and the parties to the conflict must engage in meaningful talks about a sustainable ceasefire without further delay,” she added.