Tajani announces “Italy for Sudan”: emergency mobilisation in response to the Sudanese humanitarian crisis

In his address to the Chamber of Deputies today, in response to a parliamentary question, Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani provided an update on the Italian Government's actions to address the humanitarian situation caused by the civil war in Sudan.

Minister Tajani stated that "Italy is at the forefront of humanitarian assistance, supporting the most vulnerable civilians, starting with children. For the crisis in Sudan, we have allocated over EUR 125 million to strengthen basic services and assist Sudanese communities in neighbouring countries".

The Government has decided to bring together its humanitarian response under a single initiative, "Italy for Sudan". The initiative foresees an initial humanitarian flight organised by the Italian Cooperation, in coordination with other components of the Sistema Italia. "We will soon deliver several tonnes of food aid to more than 2,500 children through the Parish of the Sacred Heart, run by Father Pious Anyaja in Port Sudan, the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus and the Missionaries of Charity," the Minister added.

The Government also plans to organise a naval mission to deliver further assistance to Port Sudan, providing immediate support to around 26,000 displaced persons currently in the city.

According to Minister Tajani, "the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to cause serious human rights violations and a profound humanitarian crisis throughout the country". Recent estimates indicate that more than 12 million Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes.