The UAE, seeing the protracted conflict that has laid Sudan to ruins, has given increased humanitarian assistance towards its people. It was after the outbreaks in April 2023 that the UAE entered extensive relief operations through the same mechanism to reveal long-standing promises to ease the sufferings of the most vulnerable across Africa.
In a statement published in the last few days, the Strategic Communication Department of the UAE recalled that the country’s rapid intervention into the crisis already unfolding had included flying a total of 159 flights loaded with more than 10,000 tons of food, medicines, and other essential supplies to Sudan. Indeed, these relief operations have constituted a lifeline to the Sudanese public as they have been facing dire shortages since the beginning of the hostilities between Sudanese Army Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF Cmdr. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Yet, the UAE’s contribution goes beyond such immediate emergency assistance. Over the past decade, the UAE has donated $3.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Sudan. This has significantly increased since the beginning of the 2023 conflict, as the UAE is at the forefront of providing both immediate relief and long-term support both to Sudan and to neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees.
Expansion of Aid and Relief Flights
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that 70% of the 100 million dollars pledged during the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries in Paris was indeed sent to the UN and UN humanitarian agencies, which include WFP, UNHCR, and WHO. In this strategic allocation of funds, it shall tackle food insecurity, health services, and emergency shelter, but also with specific concentration on protection, especially for women and children affected by the conflict.
Furthermore, two field hospitals that the UAE established in Chad’s neighbor, Amdjarass and Abeche respectively, have played an instrumental role in providing medical care to people who cross over from Sudan. The Amdjarass field hospital has treated over 24,000 patients, and that in Abeche has given treatment to over 21,000 individuals. These facilities save lives for displaced civilians irrespective of nationality or political affiliations and, furthermore, firmly establish the UAE’s adherence to the neutrality and inclusivity principles of humanitarian action.
Collaborative Efforts with International Organizations
Another major factor contributing to its humanitarian success has been international cooperation. Working in concert with UN agencies, particularly the World Food Programme, the UAE provided an air bridge to transport urgent supplies into and around Sudan. Supplementing airlifts, a ship was also dispatched by the UAE carrying 1,000 tons of relief goods to support efforts at meeting growing needs among internally displaced communities.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to offering whatever possible support to the brothers in Sudan during the crisis period. “The humanitarian logo reflects the UAE’s firm principles to stand by every human being in crises,” she said, while urging joint efforts to end the conflict and restore political dialogue in Sudan. The call from the UAE to cease fire and go back to peaceful negotiation testifies to its role in promoting stability and security in the region.
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International Recognition and Continued Support
The rapid and extensive humanitarian response by the UAE has been lauded internationally. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General of the UN for Humanitarian Affairs, expressed gratitude for the UAE’s $70 million contribution to the UN, which has been quite critical in assuaging the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, also thanked the UAE for its continued support of refugees across the region, underlining that UAE aid has been instrumental in forestalling famine and providing life-saving assistance to millions of displaced Sudanese.
The UAE has been touted as an example of global humanitarian cooperation-an illustration of how timely, coordinated action can make all the difference in the lives of people in dire need.
Conclusion
As the Sudanese conflict takes new dimensions, the UAE remains a crucial player in international humanitarian efforts toward the country. Its commitment to immediate relief, as well as to long-term stability in the region, reflects a broader strategy of mitigating the effects of the conflict and furthering peace. By such humanitarian partnerships with UN agencies and organizations, the UAE helps to arrest the deterioration of the crisis. This underlines the leading role played by the UAE in addressing the most serious challenges that the world is currently facing.
