Saudi Arabia to Host High-Level Donor Conference Addressing Sahel and Lake Chad Humanitarian Crisis

Politics John Brightwater August 23, 2024

Saudi Arabia to Host High-Level Donor Conference Addressing Sahel and Lake Chad Humanitarian Crisis

Riyadh — In a significant initiative to address the humanitarian crisis affecting various nations in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to host a high-level ministerial donor conference on October 26, 2024. This conference is organized in collaboration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and aims to mobilize essential resources and coordinate humanitarian efforts for the millions impacted in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

The United Nations has reported that approximately 33 million individuals in this region are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Among them, there are around 11 million who are displaced internally as well as refugees escaping conflict and instability. The situation has been aggravated by prolonged social and economic turmoil, alongside the catastrophic environmental changes affecting Lake Chad, which has been steadily shrinking over the past decade.

Co-hosted by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), the OIC, and in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the upcoming conference will prioritize fundraising for humanitarian and development programs. Furthermore, it will emphasize a UN-coordinated humanitarian response aligning with established humanitarian response plans (HRPs) and fostering collaborations that promote sustainable long-term solutions.

Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, articulated the significance of this event, asserting, “This conference is a critical step towards mobilizing the necessary resources and establishing partnerships aimed at addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in these regions. Together, we can bring hope and relief to millions.”

Moreover, Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the OIC, has called upon member states and international partners to provide the essential financial support necessary to ameliorate the conditions in these distressed areas. He underscored the pivotal role of the forthcoming conference in the implementation of the OIC’s resolutions established by the Council of Foreign Ministers.

Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has emphasized the conference as a vital opportunity for the global community to rally support for the immediate humanitarian requirements of the region while simultaneously addressing its potential for future development.

Additionally, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi reiterated the urgency for assistance, noting, “We must spare no effort in aiding forcibly displaced populations and their host communities. I express my gratitude to Saudi Arabia, the OIC, and other collaborating organizations for their dedication to alleviating the severe funding crisis afflicting the area.”

The conference will facilitate high-level discussions targeting the critical needs of vulnerable populations in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, with particular attention provided to sustainable and impactful solutions. This collaborative effort marks a vital stride toward enhancing humanitarian conditions and tackling the challenges faced by millions in these regions.