Kuwait Visit Conclusion by UNHCR Regional Chief: Requests Assistance for Sudan Emergency
Fresh Take:
Mamadou Diagne Balde, the UNHCR Regional Chief for the Eastern Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes, wrapped up a two-day visit to Kuwait, part of a broader Gulf tour aimed at bolstering strategic partnerships and rallying support for humanitarian efforts pertaining to the Sudan crisis and its regional implications.
In Kuwait, Balde held discussions with top officials, such as Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Al-Mashaan and Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Affairs Abdulaziz Al-Jarallah, exploring avenues to augment humanitarian collaboration. Representatives from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development were also part of these conversations.
At a press conference held at the Mövenpick Hotel, with ambassadors, donor agency representatives, and Sudan's neighboring host countries in attendance, Balde lauded Kuwait's role as a global humanitarian center, acknowledging both governmental and grassroots efforts in facilitating refugee support amid the escalating crisis in Sudan.
As the UNHCR Regional Coordinator for the Sudanese Refugee Crisis, Balde underscored the gravity of the situation: over 13 million people displaced, including 4 million refugees in bordering nations, as conflict persists beyond its second year.
During the sidelines of the visit, UNHCR Kuwait Representative Nisreen Rabian reaffirmed that Sudan stands as the region's most pressing humanitarian issue. Facing widespread hunger, 30 million of Sudan's 48 million inhabitants urgently need assistance.
Rabian expressed gratitude towards Kuwait's leadership and people, acknowledging their profound partnership with the UN and their pivotal role as a leading donor in global humanitarian endeavors.
Kuwait's Humanitarian Aid in Sudan
Kuwait has been actively contributing to Sudan's humanitarian relief. One significant initiative involves the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which funds a new $2 million project targeting improved access to safe water for internally displaced persons, refugees, and host communities in Sudan, potentially benefiting over half a million people across 24 locations in four states.
The Regional Impact
The Sudan crisis has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, affecting countless lives. International aid, including that from Kuwait, plays a vital role in addressing critical needs, such as access to clean water, essential for preventing disease outbreaks and supporting displaced populations.
However, regional instability looms as a potential consequence, with over 30 million Sudanese—almost two-thirds of the population—in need of humanitarian aid[4]. International aid efforts, including Kuwait's, are essential in alleviating these risks.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan leaves the nation grappling with food insecurity, ravaged healthcare systems, and significant displacement. In spite of these hardships, international aid remains critically underfunded, with only 12% of required funds raised for 2025[3].
- The UNHCR Regional Coordinator for the Sudanese Refugee Crisis, Mamadou Diagne Balde, highlighted the significance of Kuwait's humanitarian contributions during his visit, especially the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development's $2 million project aimed at improving access to safe water.
- The escalating crisis in Sudan has not only led to internal displacement and refugee situations but has also highlighted the necessity of political stability in the region, as over 30 million Sudanese inhabitants are in need of humanitarian aid, creating a potential risk of regional instability.
- Venpick Hotel in Kuwait served as a platform for Balde to emphasize Kuwait's role as a global humanitarian center, spotlighting the country's active involvement in forming partnerships and rallying support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan, not only through governmental initiatives but also through grassroots efforts.
