The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is currently visiting Chad to ascertain the humanitarian situation in the country and meet with the authorities. During this visit, the Commissioner will announce new funding of €45 million in EU humanitarian aid for Chad.
This funding aims to address the most pressing humanitarian needs in Chad, notably
- those of refugees, returnees and host communities affected by the Sudanese conflict in the east of the country,
- those of internally displaced persons affected by the Lake Chad Basin conflict in western Chad,
- and the most vulnerable members of the population whose survival is threatened by starvation and malnutrition.
This new EU humanitarian funding will address the most urgent protection and humanitarian aid needs, including providing emergency food, medical care, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, and children’s education during a crisis.
The EU is also allocating an initial sum of €72 million to Sudan in 2024 to help the country cope with the impact of the conflict and the resulting huge humanitarian needs for 24.8 million people, roughly 1/2 the Sudanese population.
This funding will provide essential services and protection to people displaced by conflict or other disasters. This will include supporting education in emergencies, helping pupils affected by the conflict to continue their schooling, a particularly urgent need as 3 million children have been displaced, making Sudan the country with the largest number of displaced children in the world.
Visit to Chad
During his visit to Chad, the Commissioner will meet with President Mahamat Déby, Prime Minister Succès Masra, ministers and representatives of international humanitarian organisations, EU countries, the World Bank and UN agencies.
Mr Lenarčič will also meet humanitarian partners involved in providing vital aid to Darfur in Sudan through cross-border operations from Chad. The EU’s humanitarian partners travel to western Darfur daily to provide humanitarian assistance to a region where 60% of the population is facing acute food insecurity and a need for immediate protection assistance.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič said: ”The humanitarian needs in Chad and Sudan are staggering. For Chad, the Sudanese crisis has led to a considerable influx of displaced persons who the authorities and local populations have welcomed with remarkable solidarity. However, this crisis risks further destabilising a country that is already facing a protracted crisis and multiple challenges. The European Union has decided to mobilise new financial resources to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation, including through cross-border operations in Darfur. With this new funding, the EU reaffirms its support for Chad and stands by the most vulnerable to help them meet their basic needs. For Sudan, our aim is to provide vital aid to people displaced by or otherwise affected by the fighting and also to those affected by other disasters, climate shocks or epidemics.”
