Today, the United States, through USAID, announced that it intends to provide $38 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Sudan, including $23 million to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in support of UNICEF’s ongoing assistance to the children of Sudan. USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa Tyler Beckelman announced the funding in conjunction with the Unite with the Children of Sudan event in Nairobi, Kenya, organized by USAID, UNICEF, and Save the Children, to highlight the challenges young Sudanese face amid 14 months of war. This announcement brings the total U.S. government humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people to more than $1.4 billion since October 2022.

Fourteen months of warfare between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have left an estimated 14 million children – more than half of the 24 million children in Sudan – in need of humanitarian assistance, including nearly four million children estimated to face acute malnutrition in 2024. Khartoum and parts of the Darfur region are experiencing famine-like conditions with an increasing risk of Famine during the June to September lean season, underscoring the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance. Ongoing obstruction by the SAF and RSF is preventing humanitarians from reaching Sudanese in desperate need of food, medicine, and other lifesaving assistance. 

With this additional support from USAID, UNICEF and international nongovernmental organization partners will be able to continue their vital relief efforts in support of the children of Sudan. Since the start of the conflict, UNICEF has screened millions of children ages five years and younger for malnutrition. UNICEF also operates more than 1,000 safe spaces in Sudan, allowing conflict-affected children to access counseling, learning, and protection services that address their mental health, development, and wellbeing. With USAID support, UNICEF is also supporting maternal and child health services, including essential vaccination campaigns in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. 

The United States continues to stand with the people of Sudan amid this ongoing conflict and worsening needs. While robust funding for humanitarian assistance to sustain humanitarian operations is vital to keeping people alive in Sudan, funding alone is not enough. The parties to the conflict must immediately and permanently cease hostilities, end their interference in humanitarian operations, and facilitate safe and unhindered access for humanitarian staff and supplies to reach populations in need across borders and across lines of conflict.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

From June 24-27, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman will travel to Botswana and Zambia. In Botswana, the Deputy Administrator will attend the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD), co-hosted by the Botswana Defence Force and U.S. Africa Command, ACHOD is an annual meeting of African Chiefs of Defense and other senior military leaders on the continent. Deputy Administrator Coleman will deliver key remarks on the U.S. government’s holistic approach to advancing strategic interests in partnership with African governments. 

From Gaborone, Botswana, the Deputy Administrator will travel to Lusaka, Zambia, where she will engage with government leaders and members of the private sector to reinforce the U.S. government’s commitment to Zambia. Deputy Administrator Coleman will also launch Zambia’s Global Food Security Strategy Country Plan, highlighting USAID’s investments in Zambia’s food security and the agriculture sector. These investments build on USAID’s climate-smart approach to Zambia’s food security and resilience by integrating rural farming communities into the growing regional and global markets for agricultural products.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The first-ever cooperation agreement between the Philippines and Comoros was signed by Philippine Ambassador to Comoros with residence in Nairobi, Marie Charlotte G. Tang, and Comorian Minister of Interior, Information, Decentralization and Territory Administration, Fakridine Mahamoud on 19 June 2024 in Moroni, the capital of Comoros.

Under the General Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Union of the Comoros, the two countries will cooperate in various areas, including on health, education, culture, environment, vocational and technical training, and tourism.

In her remarks following the signing, Ambassador Tang described the MOU as a milestone in Philippines-Comoros relations as it will open the doors for further cooperation between the two sides.

Noting that the Philippines and Comoros face similar sustainable development challenges and goals as archipelagic states, she also said that the MOU provides a platform for both countries to collaborate more closely in areas such as climate change, disaster risk reduction and management, and maritime governance.

Interior Minister Mahamoud, who signed the MOU as acting Foreign Minister, expressed the Comoros’ readiness to advance its relationship with the Philippines, stating that the MOU marks the start of further cooperation between the two countries.

He added that Comoros stands to gain significant insights from the Philippines, particularly in the maritime domain and on disaster risk reduction and management.

Comoros, a small archipelago in the Indian Ocean, has made significant progress in recent years to enhance its economic and social development.

Known as the “Perfume Islands” for its lush landscapes and fragrant crops like ylang-ylang and vanilla, Comoros is gaining recognition for its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Like the Philippines, Comoros is making strides in conservation efforts to protect its rich marine biodiversity and unique ecosystems for future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.

From June 19 to 22, Vice Governor of Jiangxi Province Yuan Qinhua led a delegation to Liberia. During the visit, the delegation met with Hon. Tweh, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Liberia. And held talks with Hon. Coleman, the Inspect General of Liberia National Police. The two sides exchanged views on China-Liberia relations and practical cooperation in the fields of justice and public security. Ambassador Yin Chengwu accompanied the delegation to participate in the relevant activities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.