There is no veto to humanitarian action
Whilst the ravaging impact of war is well documented, its long-lasting humanitarian suffering is often neglected. Today, Sudan is in freefall with millions of civilians displaced and communities torn. This is why the UAE, is working with the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) to lead a new global initiative to provide food, medicine and shelter to the Sudanese people – the Addis Ababa Initiative. The goal is simple: deliver immediate aid to Sudan, alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, and mobilise global leaders to act with conviction.
This initiative is about delivering aid with real impact. Leading by example, the UAE will contribute USD $200m to the Addis Ababa initiative and implement a new but tested approach to channel funding efficiently, bypassing unnecessary bureaucracy to deliver famine prevention interventions to those most in need. As responsible global citizens, we must come together and help mitigate one of the world’s gravest humanitarian catastrophes of our time. These are not merely requests – they are obligations under international humanitarian law.
Half Sudan’s population urgently needs humanitarian assistance. Millions have been displaced, hospitals have been destroyed, and food shortages are reaching critical levels. Yet, global action remains slow and fragmented, partly because of the opposition and obstruction of the warring parties to the delivery of aid. We strongly believe that there should be no veto to humanitarian access and aid givers should be able to override political objections in certain circumstances, like the dire situation in Sudan.
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, a time of reflection, mercy, and humanity, Sudan’s people deserve at least this much: a pause in the fighting. The UAE calls on both warring parties to agree to a ceasefire and immediately guarantee safe, unhindered access of essential humanitarian aid. This is not a symbolic request, but a potential lifeline for millions affected by the war.
From Gaza to Yemen, we have seen before how temporary ceasefires create humanitarian corridors. They allow for aid to flow, families to reunite, and communities to begin healing. A Ramadan ceasefire is a necessary step, not just for humanitarian relief, but as a foundation for broader diplomatic engagement. This is an opportunity that Sudan cannot afford to lose. A nation cannot reconcile without stability, and stability cannot come without a clear political roadmap.
The UAE is working closely with the UN, AU, IGAD, and Sudanese leaders to halt the fighting, secure a ceasefire, and push for political dialogue. The war has devastated Sudan’s economy, infrastructure, and social fabric whereby long-term investment in education, healthcare, and governance is essential. Sudan’s stability is not only a domestic issue, but has repercussions on regional security, trade, and development.
The UAE believes that leadership means action. That is why, in November last year, the country established the UAE Aid Agency under Federal Decree, ensuring that aid is not just reactive but structured and institutionalised. Our focus remains on vital areas such as educational services, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure sectors to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all, and we have a long track record of delivering aid where it is needed most.
The numbers speak for themselves. The UAE is one of the world’s most generous donor countries. Since its founding, it has contributed over USD $98 billion in foreign assistance, benefiting over one billion people worldwide – and in the case of Sudan, this aid was initiated by our nation’s founding father Sheikh Zayed, from the 1970s onwards.
In recent times and since the outbreak of the conflict in 2023, the UAE has provided over $600 million in humanitarian aid and dispatched 159 relief flights, delivering more than 10,000 tonnes of food, medical, and relief supplies to Sudan.
Nevertheless, we cannot do it on our own and the international community must step up. We urge others to match our efforts and commit resources, expertise, and diplomatic leverage to end this crisis. Every day of inaction adds another chapter to Sudan’s suffering.
In the long-term we believe that there should be a system for assessing the likely humanitarian cost of conflict which is considered by the United Nations when conflict seems inevitable. The impact on ordinary people of political decisions is often neglected but should be the central concern of states and international bodies. We will argue to put the humanitarian cost front and centre of the calculation of conflict. Nations, warring parties and politicians need to be aware of the likely cost and held accountable for their decisions, through such an assessment.
Strong, credible leadership is needed to protect civilians, facilitate aid distribution, and build a sustainable future for Sudan. This is not just a moral obligation; it is a necessity for regional and global stability. It is time for the international community to move beyond rhetoric and commit to real action. The world does not need more discussions, it needs tangible, coordinated efforts that prioritise civilian life over bureaucratic politics.
HE Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan is UAE Minister of State for African Affairs.
![](https://guardian.ng/wp-content/themes/guardian2021/img/newsletter_icon.png)
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.