The Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regions continue to face multiple, simultaneous humanitarian crises, exacerbated by conflict and natural disasters caused by climate change. Responding to emerging needs, the Commission is making available additional humanitarian funding of €26.7 million in South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly to support recently displaced people trying to escape the conflicts and extreme climate events.

In South Sudan, where around 2,000 people arrive every day from neighboring Sudan, additional funding of €6.4m is being given, which will support humanitarian action in the border areas. Of the new arrivals — refugees and returnees from South Sudan — 70% are women and children, while 1 in 5 are malnourished.

In Somalia, an estimated 2 million people will need emergency humanitarian assistance by 2023 due to conflict, flooding and a cholera epidemic. An additional amount of 5.5 million euros is given which will support the overall humanitarian response in the country.

With an amount of 1.5 million euros, food security will be strengthened in Uganda, for the more than 1.5 million refugees living in the country (over 220,000 new arrivals from January 2022).

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, €13.3 million will support the expansion of humanitarian assistance amid escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian situation.

Athena Papakosta