The UN reports that over 10 million people have been displaced in Sudan due to conflict, with ongoing humanitarian challenges exacerbated by insufficient funding. In West Africa, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is assessing SDG progress, starting her mission in Senegal. Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire has joined a UN treaty for improved cross-border water management, highlighting collaborative efforts for resource management amid rising challenges in Africa.
Recent reports highlight a severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where over 10 million individuals have been displaced due to ongoing conflict that erupted in April of the previous year. This alarming figure, according to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, represents around 20 percent of Sudan’s population, with nearly eight million people forced to relocate within the country, and more than two million seeking refuge in neighboring nations—all of which face their own humanitarian challenges. Current aid efforts are hampered by insecurity, access difficulties, and insufficient funding, with only 30 percent of the needed $2.7 billion raised thus far. In a separate development, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has commenced a mission in West Africa, beginning in Senegal, to assess and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative follows the recent SDG Summit at the UN Headquarters. During her visit, Ms. Mohammed met with high-ranking officials, including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to strengthen UN support for food systems, renewable energy, and digital economy transitions within the region. Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire has signed onto a significant UN treaty aimed at enhancing transboundary water management, becoming the 53rd party to the 1992 UN Water Convention. This accession reflects the increased momentum for water cooperation in Africa, a continent facing considerable challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and the growing demands of its population. UN representatives underscore that such commitments are crucial for fostering sustainable development and peace in the region.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has intensified due to ongoing conflict, resulting in massive displacement and significant challenges for aid organizations. Concurrently, the UN’s focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has prompted initiatives in various regions, including West Africa, to evaluate progress and facilitate pathways for improvement. Furthermore, the UN Water Convention represents a vital framework for countries in Africa to collectively manage shared water resources amidst widening concerns over climate change and water access.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with millions displaced and humanitarian efforts severely under-resourced. Meanwhile, UN initiatives in West Africa aim to bolster support for sustainable development goals, as Côte d’Ivoire’s recent commitment to the UN Water Convention marks a significant step towards improved regional cooperation on water management. These developments underscore a broader global effort to address urgent humanitarian needs and enhance collaborative governance of essential resources.
Original Source: news.un.org
