Blinken announces $200m in US aid for Sudan

US Secretary of State says UN must continue to support Sudanese revival of transition to inclusive, civilian-led democracy

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses the UN Security Council on Sudan on December 19. AP

The US on Thursday announced about $200 million in food, shelter and healthcare aid to Sudan as the war in the North African nation grinds on.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the UN Security Council, said that the aid will bring total US support to more than $2.3 billion since fighting broke out in April last year.

He said joint efforts between the US, the UAE, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union and the UN have enabled aid delivery to more than 3.5 million people across Sudan.

Mr Blinken outlined for ways to “intensify our efforts” to relieve suffering in Sudan. “First, we have to get more aid or relief where it's needed most – safely, rapidly, unhindered.,” he said. “Second, this council must press both parties to protect civilians, stop atrocities, to end the fighting.”

He said that the council must ensure that outside interests are unable to fan the flames of the conflict. “Finally, we must all continue to support the Sudanese people as they work to revive this transition to inclusive, civilian-led, democratic governance.”

Sudan was plunged into chaos in April last year, when hostilities erupted between army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and his one-time deputy, Gen Mohamed Dagalo, head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Millions of people in Sudan have been internally displaced or pushed over the border into neighbouring countries. About 61,000 people have died in Khartoum state, where fighting began.

There have been widespread reports of sexual and ethnic violence committed by both sides. Nearly 14 million more people are facing acute hunger, according to the UN.

The UAE's ambassador to the UN, Mohamed Abushahab, told the council that the warring parties "must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law as well as their commitments under the Jeddah declaration".

"The UAE has historical bonds with the Sudanese people and we will continue to stand by them," he added. "Only the warring parties can put an end to this violence, allow unhindered humanitarian access and commit to a genuine political process leading to a civilian-led government."