UNHCR’s Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa Concludes Mission to Kuwait, Strengthening Humanitarian Partnerships Amidst Rising Regional Needs

عربي
Mr. Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes, has concluded a two-day official mission to the State of Kuwait as part of his GCC tour, aimed at reinforcing strategic partnerships and mobilizing support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan, and the broader region.​
During his visit, Mr. Balde engaged in high-level discussions with senior government officials, including H.E. Hamad Al-Mashaan, Assistant Minister for Development and International Cooperation; H.E. AbdulAziz Al-JarAllah, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations; and met with representatives from Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). The meetings highlighted Kuwait's important role as a UN-designated international humanitarian center as UNHCR’s Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan situation, Mr. Balde explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in mobilization and support for the Sudan situation, now in its third year.
Mr. Balde also met with representatives from leading Kuwaiti philanthropic organizations—Zakat House, and Direct Aid. The discussions focused on expanding joint efforts to address the growing needs in Sudan and the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the significance of Islamic philanthropy in humanitarian response and the pivotal role of the Kuwaiti people in supporting vulnerable communities around the world. “
More than two years since the start of the conflict in Sudan, nearly 13 million people have been forced to flee, with almost 4 million crossing into the neighboring countries of Egypt, South Sudan, Chad, Libya, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and further afield into Uganda. One in every three Sudanese are now forcibly displaced, making the Sudan emergency one of the largest and most devasting displacement crises in the world today. Currently, only 11% of the total funding required by UNHCR and its partners to meet the vast needs of the Sudan regional response has been received.
“In a time where the number of people forced to flee continues to grow and resources needed are being drastically reduced, UNHCR values our long-standing partnership with Kuwait more than ever. The support from the Kuwaiti people for the millions who continue to suffer from the conflict Sudan and other forced displacement situations, is about more than providing aid; it is an expression of much-needed solidarity,” said Mr. Balde
Concluding his mission, Mr. Balde held a media briefing at the Movenpick Hotel in Kuwait City, attended by top donors and host country representatives. He expressed gratitude to donors and host countries, as well as appreciation for Kuwait’s continued support and the open channels of cooperation with both the government and private sector. He highlighted the outcomes of the mission and emphasized the critical need for sustained humanitarian assistance amidst escalating regional crises and a challenging financial landscape.
Humanitarian needs are increasing at an unprecedented rate across Sudan and the region. The Sudan crisis alone has displaced more than 9 million people, many of whom are at risk of losing access to food, clean water, shelter, and protection services.