The United States has pledged an additional $163 million in humanitarian assistance to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, made this announcement during her visit to Chad.
This funding comprises $60 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and nearly $103 million from the U.S. Department of State.
It reflects the United States’ continued commitment to supporting the people of Sudan and those affected by the regional crisis.
The Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in persistent conflict since April 15, resulting in a significant loss of life, injuries, and the displacement of over 4 million individuals, including one million refugees who have sought safety in neighbouring nations.
The crisis has also led to severe protection violations, notably an increase in gender-based violence (GBV).
This includes the widespread use of rape and other forms of sexual violence as tools of intimidation and terror. With over four million women and girls in Sudan at risk of GBV due to the conflict and disruption of essential services, USAID’s assistance will encompass support for protection activities, GBV prevention and response, and psychosocial support services for the most vulnerable populations both within Sudan and in neighbouring countries.
This additional funding from USAID will also strengthen ongoing efforts by humanitarian partners to provide emergency food assistance, healthcare, nutrition support, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, among other forms of assistance, to millions of people in Sudan and the surrounding region.
The United States continues to be the largest contributor to the Sudan crisis response, with this new support bringing the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for Sudan and neighbouring countries to nearly $710 million for the current fiscal year.
While humanitarian aid is crucial to preserving lives, a lasting solution to the conflict requires a permanent cessation of hostilities, an end to government and security forces’ interference in humanitarian operations, the facilitation of safe and unrestricted access for humanitarian personnel and supplies to reach those in need, and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Sanctions Senior Sudanese Commander and Imposes Visa Restrictions in Response to Human Rights Abuses
In Adré, Chad, near the Sudanese border, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, has announced measures taken by the United States to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in human rights abuses.
The United States has sanctioned Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, a senior commander within Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the brother of RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. This action is a direct response to Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo’s connection to RSF’s alleged abuses against Sudanese civilians, including incidents of conflict-related sexual violence and ethnically motivated killings.
Also, announce that visa restrictions have been imposed on RSF General and West Darfur Sector Commander Abdul Rahman Juma. These restrictions stem from his alleged involvement in a grave violation of human rights, specifically the extrajudicial killings of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abbakar and his brother, Abdelaziz Adam Mohammed, in June.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated, “We will continue to do everything in our power to prevent and respond to mass atrocities.” The United States remains committed to safeguarding lives, promoting peace, and ensuring accountability for those who are implicated in perpetuating mass atrocities.
