On Thursday, the United States announced over $200 million—approximately R3.65 billion—in new aid for civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, including refugees in neighboring countries.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a conflict between its regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, described the situation as “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world” and revealed the US is allocating an additional $203 million in humanitarian aid to support those affected in Sudan, Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. This new funding adds to nearly $500 million already provided this year.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 10 million people, with around 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring nations, according to the UN. Additionally, a recent UN-backed report highlighted that approximately 25.6 million people are experiencing severe food insecurity.
Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the extreme conditions, noting that “people are resorting to eating dirt and relying on tree leaves for nourishment.”
The newly announced US funding is specifically aimed at building refugee shelters, providing food aid, medical care, and supporting communities hosting displaced individuals.
She reiterated the need for a ceasefire and improved humanitarian access, criticizing the Sudanese Army’s blockade of the Adre border crossing between Chad and Sudan. Thomas-Greenfield suggested that the UN Security Council should “explore all available options, including authorizing aid through key crossings like the Adre border into Sudan, similar to past measures for Syria.”
In 2014, the Security Council implemented a mechanism for delivering humanitarian aid to rebel-controlled areas in northwestern Syria without the Syrian government’s consent. This mechanism concluded in July 2023 following a Russian veto on its renewal.