The United Nations has said Sudan needs $150 million in aid to cope with the flood of Ethiopian refugees crossing its border from conflict-stricken Tigray.
The UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi while visiting a camp in the Northeast Africa country of Sudan called on “donors to provide Sudan with resources as soon as they can”.
The Tigray conflict broke out on November 4 between Ethiopia’s federal forces and leaders of the region’s ruling party.
Sudan has since hosted more than 43,000 Ethiopian refugees fleeing from the intense fighting into one of its most impoverished regions.
“Sudan needs $150 million for six months to provide these refugees water, shelter, and health services,” said Grandi at Um Raquba camp, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the border.
Meanwhile, the United Nations says it has flown 32 tons of emergency aid to Khartoum, Sudan to quickly assist the thousands of refugees fleeing fighting and violence in Ethiopia.
The UN refugee agency said a second shipment is expected to arrive by plane from Dubai on Monday.
More than 43,300 refugees have crossed the border to Sudan so far. The number of refugees could reach 200,000 in the next six months according to humanitarian agencies.
Grandi also expressed his solidarity and gratitude to Sudan for opening its borders to refugees – half of whom are children – according to a UNHCR spokesman in Geneva.
Friday’s flight brought 5,000 blankets, 4,500 solar lamps, 2,900 mosquito nets, 200 tarpaulins, and 200 rolls of plastic.
Monday’s flight is expected to carry 1,275 family tents and 10 prefabricated warehouses to accommodate 16,000 people. Two more flights are planned.