The European Union (EU) is providing €258 million in humanitarian aid to assist individuals affected by crises in the Greater Horn of Africa and West and Central Africa.
In the Greater Horn of Africa, €107.5 million will be allocated to aid the region’s most vulnerable populations, who are said to be facing challenges such as conflict, natural disasters, forced displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services.
Today,at about 70 million people in the Greater Horn of Africa are in desperate in need of humanitarian assistance, representing more than 20% of the global demand. Main factors contributing to these humanitarian needs are conflicts and natural disasters, with the situation in Sudan significantly exacerbating the crisis both domestically and regionally.
In West and Central Africa, €150.6 million will support humanitarian efforts in nations struggling with ongoing insecurity and conflict, particularly in coastal West African countries who are affected by the Central Sahel crisis. This region is heavy on complex and prolonged humanitarian challenges, with Central Sahel and the Lake Chad area being focal points of conflict.
The funding will be utilized for various forms of assistance including food security, livelihoods, nutrition, healthcare, water sanitation, hygiene, and education. This increase will elevate the total EU humanitarian response in Africa to €750 million by 2025.
Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, remarked that Africa is facing multifaceted challenges such as security threats, political instability, and socio-economic disparities that exacerbate humanitarian crises, displacing communities and causing food scarcity. The adverse impacts of climate change are further heightening vulnerabilities. The deteriorating humanitarian and security landscape poses challenges for aid workers trying to reach those in need. As humanitarian demands rise and resources dwindle, addressing this gap is increasingly urgent. The EU remains committed to supporting Africa’s most vulnerable populations with emergency assistance.
In addition to this funding, the Commission has already allocated €40 million for humanitarian aid in Ethiopia and €269 million for a regional response to the crisis in Sudan. The funding for West and Central Africa comes in addition to the previously announced €78.5 million to help those affected by humanitarian crises in Mauritania and Chad.
