Canada to send another 4.4 million dollars US to Sudan

OTTAWA, June 4 (AFP) — Canada announced a new aid tranche of 6.1 million dollars (4.4 million US) for Sudan, where a civil war in the western Darfur region has created a humanitarian crisis.

The new money brings to 22 million dollars (16 million US) in Canadian aid for Darfur since October.

The aid goes to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Food Program, the United Nations and to non-governmental organizations after Thursday’s UN appeal to 27 countries meeting in Geneva.

Violence has continued in Darfur despite a 45-day renewable ceasefire signed April 8 by the Sudanese government and Darfur rebels in a bid to halt fighting that erupted in February 2003.

The United Nations said 700,000 to 800,000 people lack the bare essentials to survive the coming months in Darfur and that more than 236 million dollars is needed this year.