The United Kingdom has announced a significant increase in aid funding for Sudan, doubling its current package to £113 million ($143 million).
This additional support aims to assist over one million individuals affected by the ongoing war in the African nation.
The new funding will be allocated to both those within Sudan and the 700,000 refugees who have fled to neighboring countries.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgent need for aid, stating, “The brutal conflict in Sudan has caused unimaginable suffering.
The people of Sudan need more aid, which is why the UK is helping to provide much-needed food, shelter and education for the most vulnerable.”
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to a humanitarian crisis.
UN experts have accused both sides of employing “starvation tactics” against millions of civilians, while aid organizations warn of a potential “historic” hunger crisis.
Foreign Secretary Lammy is set to address the UN Security Council on Monday, where he will urge the Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s army to maintain the crucial Adre border crossing open indefinitely to facilitate aid deliveries.
He stressed the importance of unimpeded access, stating, “We cannot deliver aid without access. Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war.”
The additional funding will be channeled towards UN and NGO partners to provide essential services such as food, shelter, medical care, and water sanitation.
A recent study suggests that the actual death toll from the conflict may be significantly higher than current estimates.
