US gov’t announces nearly $536M in additional humanitarian assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa

Addis Ababa, August 9, 2024 (FBC) – On August 8, 2024, the US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya announced nearly $536 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance from the United States, including nearly $516 million through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and nearly $20 million through the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

This brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa to nearly $3.7 billion so far in Fiscal Year 2024, the US Embassy in Addis Ababa said.

The Embassy noted that this humanitarian assistance will enable humanitarian partners to respond to the critical needs of more than eight million refugees and asylum seekers as well as more than 30 million internally displaced persons, stateless persons, and conflict-affected people across sub-Saharan Africa, including those affected by crises in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and numerous other new emergency and protracted situations.

These populations are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and climate change, both of which are impacting communities across the continent. It will also build durable solutions, including through voluntary returns and refugee integration.

“Even with this significant contribution, needs far outpace available funding in Africa and globally. We urge other donors to provide additional support to meet urgent humanitarian needs,” Under Secretary Zeya said.

During her stay in Addis Ababa, the Under Secretary held discussions with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie and Minister of Justice Mr. Gedion Timothewos, as well as other stakeholders.