UAE Commits $30 Million Emergency Aid for Sudan's El Obeid Conflict

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled an urgent humanitarian relief package worth $30 million, earmarked for civilians grappling with the escalating conflict in El Obeid, North Kordofan. Concurrently, the nation urged the global community to intensify efforts in safeguarding civilians and guaranteeing unhindered access for aid deliveries throughout Sudan.

This critical funding, sanctioned directly by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is slated for distribution via the UAE Aid Agency. Its purpose is to provide crucial support to residents of El Obeid and its neighbouring areas who are severely impacted by the worsening humanitarian situation.

A statement released by the UAE on Sunday indicated that this intervention became necessary due to the dire humanitarian circumstances, where both civilians and internally displaced persons face acute scarcity of food, medical services, potable water, and adequate shelter.

The Emirati government appealed to the international community to make civilian protection a top priority and to streamline the delivery of essential aid. Furthermore, it implored all factions engaged in the conflict to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law, refrain from targeting populated zones, and ensure the secure, swift, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance.

Sheikh Shakhboot Al Nahyan, who serves as the UAE Minister of State and a member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, affirmed that this humanitarian effort underscores the nation's unwavering dedication to prioritizing human welfare above all considerations. He stated, “This urgent response reflects the UAE leadership’s steadfast belief that people remain at the heart of the UAE’s humanitarian efforts.” He emphasized the necessity at this critical juncture to “focus must remain on protecting civilians, enabling safe humanitarian corridors, and responding to the urgent needs of displaced people and the most vulnerable groups, particularly the sick, children, the elderly and women.”

Shakhboot further indicated that the UAE intends to maintain its collaboration with various humanitarian bodies and international collaborators to alleviate the suffering of civilians and bolster ongoing relief initiatives. He added, “We will continue to stand by the brotherly Sudanese people and work with humanitarian and international partners to alleviate civilian suffering, strengthen the humanitarian response, and help prevent further deterioration on the ground.”

He also issued a caution against any attempts to politicise humanitarian aid. In his warning, he stressed, “The suffering of civilians must not be politicised, and international efforts must remain focused on saving lives and supporting accountability for violations through independent, professional and impartial mechanisms.”

The UAE disclosed that it has already contributed approximately $800 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict, assisting refugees, internally displaced persons, and communities caught in the hostilities.

Dr Tareq Al Ameri, who chairs the UAE Aid Agency, clarified that this recent financial package is consistent with the nation's wider pledges to support humanitarian response strategies spearheaded by the United Nations. He explained, “The humanitarian assistance forms part of the UAE’s pledges to support humanitarian response plans in cooperation with the United Nations and its partners.” He further noted that “It will help provide food, healthcare, shelter and support for refugees, displaced persons and the most vulnerable groups.”

This aid is expected to be distributed through the United Nations and its associated humanitarian organizations, reaching beneficiaries within Sudan itself and in neighbouring countries currently hosting those displaced by the conflict.

Finally, the UAE reiterated its stance that a military solution cannot resolve the crisis in Sudan. It called for renewed backing for a civilian-led political process, which it believes is essential for restoring peace, maintaining Sudan's national unity, and enhancing the well-being of its populace.