Saudi Arabia raises more than $1.1 billion for humanitarian support in Sahel and Lake Chad

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (KSrelief), hosted a donor conference in Jeddah, raising more than US$1.1 billion in contributions to support displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, including Nigeria. Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali.

According to a statement from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the weekend, this significant funding commitment is made possible thanks to contributions from more than a dozen donor countries, agencies and organizations dedicated to meeting the growing humanitarian needs in these crisis-stricken regions. .

The conference, held in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, the statement said. to the peoples of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mali affected by various crises and natural disasters.

In his speech at the conference, Royal Court Counsel and KSrelief General Observer, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rabiah, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the generosity shown by the donor community.

He noted that these contributions not only demonstrate solidarity, but also enable humanitarian organizations to provide vital support, helping to improve the safety and resilience of affected populations.

Al Rabiah reiterated Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment through KSrelief to expand relief efforts in partnership with international stakeholders, ensuring that assistance reaches those who urgently need it.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, for his part, said the conference is a testament to international unity, providing a platform for dialogue among humanitarian leaders and a framework for coordinated and sustainable support for those affected by displacement.

He said: “The presence of so many committed countries and organizations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values ​​of solidarity and cooperation.”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also praised Saudi Arabia and the OIC for leading the event, recognizing the region’s potential and the serious challenges it faces due to ongoing conflicts, climate shocks and economic strains.

With more than 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions in need of immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions, calling for an end to fighting, the protection of civilians and unimpeded access for assistance.

The Kingdom further strengthened its commitment to the region by pledging an additional US$30 million, bringing its total contributions for 2024 to US$51 million.

This pledge reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting communities in crisis and advancing global humanitarian goals through KSrelief, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading force in international humanitarian assistance.

Michael Olugbode

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