Red Cross head urges nations to support 'severely underfunded' Sudan emergency appeals

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Monday urged countries to support "severely underfunded" Sudan emergency appeals.

Calling the first anniversary of the conflict in Sudan "a grim milestone," Jagan Chapagain wrote on X: "The acute shortages of essential resources such as food, water and fuel, along with a seriously degraded healthcare system, are just some of the terrible consequences of the fighting."

Chapagain noted that the IFRC launched two emergency appeals, "both of which are critical in providing aid and relief to those affected by the ongoing crisis in Sudan and the surrounding region."

"And unfortunately, both of them are severely underfunded," he lamented.

"I call upon all parties to come together for the sake of humanity and for the people, including children, who are suffering due to this ongoing conflict," he said, adding: "I call on people around the world to support our critical emergency appeals that will help us ensure that affected communities and families can overcome this crisis, now entering its second year."

The war in Sudan broke out on April 15, 2023 over disagreements to integrate the RSF into the army between the army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The conflict has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis, and clashes have killed nearly 16,000 people and displaced millions.