The United Kingdom has announced a new £113 million ($143 million) aid package to help over one million people affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This funding, announced on Sunday, doubles the UK’s existing aid commitment to the crisis and aims to assist 600,000 individuals in Sudan and an additional 700,000 people who have fled to neighboring countries.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the UK’s dedication to alleviating the immense suffering caused by the conflict. “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,” Lammy stated in a government press release. He further pledged, “The UK will never forget Sudan.”
The violence in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The ongoing conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis, drawing international attention.
Last month, United Nations experts accused both warring factions of using “starvation tactics” against 25 million civilians. Additionally, three major aid organizations have sounded alarms over a potential “historic” hunger crisis, as desperate families are forced to consume leaves and insects for survival.
On Monday, Foreign Secretary Lammy is set to address the United Nations Security Council. During his visit, Lammy intends to urge the Sudanese Armed Forces to keep the critical Adre border crossing open indefinitely to facilitate aid delivery. “We cannot deliver aid without access. Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war,” he stated.
The new aid package will support various UN and NGO partners in providing essential resources, including food, monetary assistance, shelter, medical care, water, and sanitation, according to the UK Foreign Office.
Recent reports indicate that the death toll in Sudan’s conflict may be significantly underestimated. A study published this week revealed that casualty figures in Khartoum State alone surpass current estimates for the entire country, highlighting the immense scale of the crisis.
