02:06UN: 'Prevent crisis from turning into catastrophe' - Guterres calls for support for drought-stricken Africa
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a 'crisis atop of crisis' in the Horn of Africa which threatens the livelihoods of millions during a pledging event in New York on Wednesday.
“The longest drought on record, mass displacement after years of conflict and insecurity, skyrocketing food prices. And now, chaos and fighting have engulfed Sudan, radiating instability across the entire region," Guterres said.
The Secretary-General then called on donors to 'act now to prevent crisis from turning into catastrophe'.
“Make no mistake: action will make all the difference. Last year, thanks to generous support from donor countries, we delivered life-saving assistance to 20 million people. And we helped avert a famine. Now, support must match the scale of the challenge," he continued.
For her part, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador announced that the US would also send aid to countries on the continent.
"I am proud to announce that the United States will provide nearly $524 million in additional assistance to respond to dire humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa, today's announcement brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for response efforts to more than $1.4 billion in the fiscal year 2023," she said.
The UN and Italy, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the US organised the pledging event for the Horn of Africa, in cooperation with the three affected countries.
More than 43 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are affected by one of the worst droughts in recent history, according to media reports.
02:06United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a 'crisis atop of crisis' in the Horn of Africa which threatens the livelihoods of millions during a pledging event in New York on Wednesday.
“The longest drought on record, mass displacement after years of conflict and insecurity, skyrocketing food prices. And now, chaos and fighting have engulfed Sudan, radiating instability across the entire region," Guterres said.
The Secretary-General then called on donors to 'act now to prevent crisis from turning into catastrophe'.
“Make no mistake: action will make all the difference. Last year, thanks to generous support from donor countries, we delivered life-saving assistance to 20 million people. And we helped avert a famine. Now, support must match the scale of the challenge," he continued.
For her part, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador announced that the US would also send aid to countries on the continent.
"I am proud to announce that the United States will provide nearly $524 million in additional assistance to respond to dire humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa, today's announcement brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for response efforts to more than $1.4 billion in the fiscal year 2023," she said.
The UN and Italy, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the US organised the pledging event for the Horn of Africa, in cooperation with the three affected countries.
More than 43 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are affected by one of the worst droughts in recent history, according to media reports.