web_darfursudan_istock_000004910343_large.jpg
Abandoned tanks in Darfur, Sudan
Darfur has been marred by the conflicts that have long beset Sudan and continue to do so today. A recent flare up in violence in the state between government and rebel forces saw an estimated 34,000 people displaced within the first 10 days.
The projects, which will be funded through the UN and Qatar, will focus on improving governance and reconciliation, reconstruction and economic recovery.
The UN said furthering these priorities will provide the strongest incentive for individuals and communities to break from the conflict cycle and work towards peace in Darfur.
The World Food Programme also announced today that the UK’s Department for International Development has enabled the launch of a nine-month cash assistance programme for displaced people in Darfur.
DFID’s £2.2m contribution will see 52 Sudanese pounds (approximately $8.60) transferred every month to 25,000 people in selected parts of Darfur, which will enable them to buy food from shops participating in the WFP’s cash and voucher programme.
Chris Pycroft, head of DFID Sudan, said the partnership will deliver not just essential assistance, but increase the choice available to the people targeted.
“We hope this is a first step in increasing the use of cash-based assistance in Sudan, a mechanism that can increase cost efficiency and also support the dignity of target populations,” he said.
DFID will also fund research to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the cash transfer programme in improving food security and the nutritional status of people benefitting from the assistance.
Sudan has long been beset by conflict. One source of tension is the question of shared oil revenues and border demarcation with South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
Outside of states bordering South Sudan, unrest and fighting have also continued between government and rebel forces.
Throughout Sudan, 3.2 million people are internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance and 1.2 million children under five are acutely malnourished.
