UAE Signs $20 Million WFP Agreement for Sudan Aid

The United Arab Emirates has strengthened its humanitarian engagement in Sudan by signing a new cooperation agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme, committing US$20 million to support emergency food assistance amid the country’s prolonged conflict. The move comes as millions face acute hunger, displacement, and disruption of basic livelihoods.

Emergency Food Support for Conflict-Affected Sudan

Under the agreement, the UAE will provide a US$20 million grant to the World Food Programme to accelerate emergency response efforts in Sudan. The funding will focus on delivering food assistance to communities most affected by the conflict, with special emphasis on vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons and families living in host communities. The support aims to address urgent food security gaps as fighting continues to disrupt supply chains and agricultural activity.

Agreement Signed Through UAE Aid Agency

The cooperation agreement was signed between the UAE Aid Agency and the World Food Programme in the presence of senior officials. The UAE was represented by Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the agency, while Bashar Al Hammami, Head of the WFP Partnership Office in the UAE, signed on behalf of the organisation. The agreement underscores institutional coordination between Abu Dhabi and the UN system to ensure rapid and targeted humanitarian delivery.

Focus on Displaced Populations and Host Countries

UAE officials highlighted that the assistance will support displaced Sudanese populations both within Sudan and in neighbouring host countries, including Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to meeting essential food needs in famine-affected and high-risk areas, while responding to the complex regional spillovers of the Sudan conflict.

Important Facts for Exams

• The UAE signed a US$20 million grant agreement with the UN World Food Programme.
• The funding targets emergency food assistance in conflict-hit Sudan.
• Support includes displaced populations inside Sudan and in neighbouring countries.
• The agreement was facilitated through the UAE Aid Agency.

Part of Long-Term UAE Humanitarian Engagement

The latest contribution builds on the UAE’s sustained humanitarian assistance to Sudan over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025, the UAE provided approximately US$4.24 billion in aid to the country, including significant humanitarian support following the outbreak of civil war in 2023. Alongside financial assistance, the UAE has reiterated calls for coordinated international action, humanitarian ceasefires, and safe, unimpeded access for relief operations to protect civilians and stabilise affected regions.