EU grants another EUR15 mln in aid to Sudan’s Darfur

Sept 9, 2005 (BRUSSELS) — The European Union Friday earmarked another EUR15 million in aid for Sudan’s troubled Darfur region and urged other donors to follow suit.

“As Darfur slips out of the media spotlight, it is essential to prevent it from becoming another ‘forgotten’ crisis,” E.U. Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel said in a statement. “The European Commission is committed to providing humanitarian aid for Darfur as long as the needs remain, and we urge other donors to do likewise.”

The funds are meant for medical care, water, shelter and food for the 2.5 million people affected by the conflict.

The E.U.’s executive Commission has provided a total of EUR152 million in humanitarian aid to Darfur since the crisis started in February 2003.

Fighting in Darfur began when rebels from black African tribes took up arms, complaining of discrimination and oppression by Sudan’s Arab-dominated government.

The government is accused of unleashing Arab tribal militia known as the Janjaweed against civilians in a campaign of murder, rape and arson.

At least 180,000 people have died as a result of the conflict and ensuing chaos – many from hunger and disease.

(AP/ST)