In a decisive move to address the devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and its neighboring countries, the United Kingdom has announced a £113 million aid package. The funding, which doubles the UK’s commitment for 2024, aims to support over one million people affected by the ongoing conflict and famine.
The announcement, made on November 17, 2024, will provide life-saving support to over 600,000 people within Sudan and 700,000 refugees in neighboring countries, including Chad and South Sudan.
This comes as Sudan endures its worst humanitarian disaster in decades, marked by 18 months of violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The violence has displaced over 11 million people, left 25 million in dire need of aid, and pushed over 500,000 into famine conditions in Darfur alone. 
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, emphasized the urgent need for unrestricted access to aid and open border crossings to combat famine effectively. Speaking ahead of the UN Security Council meeting on November 18, he stated:
“The brutal conflict in Sudan has caused unimaginable suffering. The UK is providing food, shelter, and education for the most vulnerable. But aid delivery requires access. Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.”
The Adre border crossing, reopened in August, serves as a vital lifeline, allowing aid to flow from Chad into Darfur. However, aid workers continue to face severe challenges, including restricted movement and ongoing violence.
Aid Allocation and Impact
The new funding package includes £43.5 million designated for Sudan and £69.5 million for refugees in neighboring countries like Chad, Uganda, and South Sudan. The aid will:
- Deliver food, cash, shelter, and medical assistance.
- Support water and sanitation projects.
- Fund “Education Cannot Wait,” providing safe learning spaces and psychosocial support for 200,000 vulnerable children in Chad, South Sudan, and other neighboring nations.
Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds, who visited South Sudan in August, remarked on the worsening crisis:
“Famine and disease are spreading. This funding will provide critical relief to those most affected and support neighboring countries hosting refugees.”
Diplomatic Efforts at the UN
The UK, leveraging its leadership at the UN Security Council, has introduced a resolution calling for:
- Protection of civilians.
- A ceasefire between the SAF and RSF.
- Safe, unrestricted passage for humanitarian aid.
The resolution builds on prior UK-led initiatives, such as the joint statement in October condemning the obstruction of aid.
Background on the Conflict
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 due to tensions between SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo over the transition to civilian rule. The violence has since spiraled into a full-scale humanitarian crisis, drawing global concern.
What are your thoughts on the UK’s increased aid for Sudan? Should other nations follow suit to alleviate this crisis? Share your opinions below!
Related Reads:
