Canada speeding rollout of $71M in aid for Sudan, region as violence continues

Funds will flow through agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross, as well as non-governmental organizations, to provide basic food, water and health services.

International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan has announced $71 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan and two neighbouring countries that are dealing with a large number of refugees in the wake of a violent crisis.

“The challenges are immense and they must not be faced alone,” Sajjan told reporters Wednesday on Parliament Hill.

“The situation is deteriorating and the Sudanese people still need our help.”

He said the funds will flow through agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross, as well as non-governmental organizations, to provide basic food, water and health services.

Nearly $31 million will go toward Sudan, while slightly more will be sent to South Sudan, which seceded from that country in 2011.

Canada will also send $10 million to the Central African Republic, as part of funds that will flow to at least 14 groups ranging from the World Food Programme to Doctors Without Borders.

Sajjan said Ottawa set aside this funding for the region before the conflict started, but will now speed up the delivery of that cash to help people fleeing violence.

He said Canada will be pledging more money after he makes a visit to the region, likely at the end of this month for the African Development Bank’s general meetings in Egypt. Sajjan added he hopes to visit Chad and speak with officials from the African Union, which is based in Ethiopia.