Rhino: Agencies – The Deputy Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Isabelle Coleman, called on the international community and members of the Sudanese community abroad to intensify their efforts to support the Sudanese people, ‘not only by increasing humanitarian assistance, but also by pressing for an end to this violent conflict once and for all.’
During a digital meeting with members of the Sudanese-American community on Tuesday evening, she stressed the importance of maintaining pressure to disarm, stop the conflict and support lasting peace.
She warned that the humanitarian crisis in the country has reached dangerous levels and requires intensified international efforts to address it.
Coleman noted that famine is engulfing many areas in Sudan, with more than 25 million people facing acute hunger and one million people nearing the brink of starvation, not only in Zamzam, but also in Abu Shouk and other IDP camps. The ongoing conflict and obstruction of humanitarian aid by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have resulted in the largest food and displacement crisis in the world.
Rains and floods have worsened the humanitarian situation and contributed to the spread of diseases, particularly cholera, she said.
The Arbaat Dam in Red Sea State collapsed as a result of heavy rains on 25 August, killing more than 130 people and affecting tens of thousands.
USAID is making a number of efforts to mitigate the effects of all these disasters on Sudanese people, especially vulnerable groups, she said.