Qatar pledges continued support for Sudan amid devastating crisis
March 9, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Lolwah Alkhater, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, visited Sudan Saturday to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis and urge renewed international action.
“The world seems to have forgotten the plight of the Sudanese people,” Minister Alkhater said in a statement posted on X at the end of her visit to Port Sudan. “Our visit serves as a reminder of the immense suffering they endure.”
The minister reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting Sudan’s unity, security, and stability and outlined the resumption of the humanitarian airbridge, the launch of a food basket campaign for Ramadan and funding development projects.
Qatar will resume its Ramadan airbridge, delivering essential supplies like food, shelter, and ambulances while facilitating Sudanese citizen evacuation, alongside a joint food basket campaign distributing 50,000 baskets (20,000 already delivered) and continued funding of $50 million for relief efforts managed by government and civil society organizations.
In a meeting with the visiting Qatari Minister in Port Sudan, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Jaber, a member of the sovereign Council, expressed gratitude to Qatar’s leadership, government, and people for their ongoing humanitarian support of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council.
Minister Alkhater also met with UN and international representatives, urging them to step up their response and reminding the international community of its responsibility towards the world’s largest ongoing displacement crisis.
She specifically called on donor nations to fulfil their pledges made last May, totalling $1.5 billion, acknowledging logistical and security challenges but emphasizing the situation’s urgency.
Finally, Minister Alkhater stressed the importance of regional stability. “Sudan’s security is critical for the Arab region and Africa,” she said. “We urge all parties to work towards a peaceful solution, ensure safe humanitarian corridors, and stop targeting food and medicine supplies.”
(ST)