Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced that Australia sends $23M in aid to support people affected by ongoing conflicts and natural disasters in the Horn of Africa. This aid will help those in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya.
Helping Those in Need
Wong expressed deep concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. She emphasized that Australia is collaborating with international partners to assist the most vulnerable and promote stability.
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“We are advocating for political solutions to these conflicts and ensuring humanitarian organizations have safe access to those in need,” she said.
Breakdown of the Aid
| Country | Aid Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sudan | $13 million | Aid for 7 million displaced and food insecure civilians. |
| Ethiopia and Somalia | $6 million | Support for conflict-affected and food insecure populations. |
| Kenya | $4 million | Relief for flood impacts and food insecurity. |
$13 million will go to help more than seven million Sudanese civilians displaced by ongoing conflict between the country’s armed forces and a powerful paramilitary group since April 2023. Sudan is facing severe food insecurity, with nearly five million people at risk of starvation.
2. Ethiopia and Somalia
$6 million will be allocated to support people affected by the conflict between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan authorities, as well as violence, drought, and flooding. Ethiopia has 4.5 million internally displaced people, while Somalia has four million facing acute food insecurity.
3. Kenya
$4 million will be provided to address the impacts of devastating floods and food insecurity following severe droughts.
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How the Aid Will Be Delivered
The aid will be distributed through Australian and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and UN partners. Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts highlighted that this funding is part of a broader effort to support security and stability in the region. He condemned the ongoing violence against civilians, the recruitment of children into armed groups, and the increase in gender-based violence.
Australia’s commitment aims to bring much-needed relief to those suffering in the Horn of Africa, addressing urgent needs and supporting long-term stability.
