The United States announced a significant increase in humanitarian aid for Sudan on Thursday, pledging an extra $203 million to support civilians caught in the ongoing war.
This brings the total US contribution to $707 million since October, making them the largest single donor to the crisis.
The funds aim to assist civilians across Sudan and neighboring countries where millions have fled the fighting.
The war, which began in April 2023 between the general Burhan-controlled SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has displaced millions and created a dire humanitarian situation.
“The people of Sudan are facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world,” stated US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. “Much more needs to be done to help them.”
With nearly half of Sudan’s population, roughly 25 million people, requiring aid, the UN has warned of a looming famine.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged other nations to step up their contributions, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“We hope this new round of aid serves as a call to action for others,” she said.
The conflict, sparked by a plan to integrate al-Burhan’s forces with rival forces during a transition towards free elections, has resulted in widespread violence.
The UN reports over 10 million people internally displaced within Sudan and more than 2.2 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries.
While increased funding is crucial, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield stressed the importance of ensuring unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.
“The parties on the ground must also facilitate humanitarian access,” she said, indicating the US is prepared to push for stronger UN Security Council action if necessary.
The Security Council has already passed two resolutions in support of Sudan: one demanding a ceasefire and unimpeded aid access in March, and another in June focusing on ending a specific siege in North Darfur.