KUWAIT: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has partnered with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) to launch an emergency response initiative in support of Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis caused by widespread flooding and the displacement of thousands of people. Speaking to the KUNA Thursday, KRCS Deputy Chairman Anwar Al-Hasawi said this new partnership aligns with Kuwait’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes. The initiative is part of the society’s broader mission to extend aid where it is needed most, especially in times of crisis, he added. Hasawi emphasized that the agreement will enhance cooperation with Sudanese counterparts to deliver critical assistance to those affected by the floods and those forced to flee their homes. The relief efforts, he said, are crucial in meeting the urgent needs of the displaced and mitigating the worsening humanitarian situation.

Violent clashes have erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 2023, resulting in the displacement of more than 10.2 million people, including internally displaced people (IDPs), asylum seekers and refugees. This conflict exacerbated many of Sudan’s existing challenges, including ongoing conflicts, disease outbreaks, economic and political instability and climate emergencies.

Sudan is facing “a starvation crisis of historic proportions and the international community is failing “to address the immense hunger”, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, and Mercy Corps had said in a joint statement earlier this month.

Food production has been severely affected. Many fields have been destroyed, mined or the farmers driven away, while livestock have been killed. “More than 25 million people – more than half the population – are suffering acute food insecurity. Many families have for months been reduced to one meal a day and have been forced to eat leaves or insects,” the agencies said. They noted that while the people of Sudan “have shown immense resilience and strength” since the conflict started, they now “have nowhere left to turn”.

Kuwait has been committed to providing continuous support to the Sudanese people since the beginning, reflecting the political leadership’s dedication to humanitarian work, Hasawi said. KRCS has ramped up its efforts by dispatching substantial quantities of aid through relief planes and cargo ships while deploying a team of volunteers to Sudan to ensure the supplies reach displaced communities.

As part of its efforts, the KRCS team handed out Wednesday food to families affected by floods in Port Sudan. Speaking to KUNA in a statement, Abdulrahman Al-Saleh, head of the team, said food handed out meets the needs of a five-member family for one month. He added that the team were also briefed on the Kuwaiti-funded water projects at sheltering centers. He noted that they would continue providing aid in other Sudanese states, including River Nile State.

Saleh affirmed Kuwait’s continued support to Sudanese people through the campaign, which started last May. Executive director of Sudan Red Crescent Society Anwar Abu Ali expressed appreciation to Kuwait, its leadership, government and people for their support to Sudan. KRCS provided exceptional support and aid to the Sudanese, especially through two air bridges, with nearly 30 planes leaving to Sudan loaded with food, medicine and wheelchairs. — Agencies