The European Union (EU) has pledged €258 Million in humanitarian aid to countries in the Greater Horn of Africa as well as West and Central Africa in a bid to help them address urgent needs and cushion the effects of USAID funding cuts.
Funding Breakdown
A breakdown of the funding pledged reveals €107.5 million will be used to support the most vulnerable people in the greater Horn of Africa region, comprising countries like Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan impacted by conflict and natural hazards, facing forced displacement, food and nutrition insecurity, and poor access to basic services.
In West and Central Africa, €150.6 million will support the humanitarian response in the countries directly affected by ongoing insecurity and conflict, including West Africa’s coastal countries already impacted by the spill-over from the crisis in Central Sahel as well as in the Lake Chad area.
Speaking on this funding, EU Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, said: “Across Africa, complex challenges, including security threats, political instability, and socio-economic disparities are fuelling humanitarian crises. These crises displace entire communities and cause widespread food insecurity.
“The escalating effects of climate change are also intensifying vulnerabilities. The humanitarian and security situation is deeply concerning, as humanitarian partners face obstacles in reaching those in need.
“As humanitarian needs grow and resources become more limited, bridging this gap is becoming ever more urgent. The EU remains a reliable partner providing emergency assistance to Africa’s most vulnerable populations.” She concluded.
Significance
The latest funding which will be used for food and livelihoods assistance, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene and education amongst others brings the total EU humanitarian response in Africa to €750 million in 2025. way more than the €510 million it initially planned.
The commission had already announced an initial €40 million allocation for humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia and €269 million for the regional response of Sudan crisis as well as €78.5 million of humanitarian aid to address the needs of the people affected by humanitarian crises in Mauritania and Chad.
