Saudi ambassador to US urges global action to ease Sudan humanitarian crisis

WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar called for intensified international cooperation and sustained political engagement to address Sudan’s deepening humanitarian crisis, as she joined U.S. officials and global partners this week for talks in Washington.Speaking during the discussions, Princess Reema reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Sudanese people, stressing that humanitarian relief and diplomatic efforts must move forward in parallel to prevent further suffering and instability.“The ongoing devastating crisis must put our ability to protect human life as a top priority,” said Princess Reema, describing the situation in Sudan as a severe humanitarian emergency marked by famine, the collapse of healthcare systems, and widespread displacement.She welcomed the U.S. State Department’s announcement of a $200 million contribution to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, part of Washington’s broader $2 billion pledge to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and praised the United States for its leadership in responding to global humanitarian crises.“The United States government has been instrumental in its guidance and its support, not just to the people of Sudan, but all people in need,” she said.Princess Reema outlined Saudi Arabia’s dual-track approach to Sudan, combining humanitarian assistance with diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation and a lasting political solution.She highlighted the Saudi-hosted Jeddah talks in May 2023, which led to the Jeddah Declaration between the warring parties, as well as subsequent negotiations that prioritized humanitarian access and a durable ceasefire.Humanitarian aid remains central to the Kingdom’s response, she said, noting that through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, Saudi Arabia has delivered medical supplies, food assistance, shelter, and other relief in coordination with the United Nations and international partners, using air, sea, and land routes both before and since the outbreak of the current conflict.She also pointed to recent initiatives, including an agreement between the Saudi Fund for Development and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to support access to safe water in Sudan, underscoring the urgency of meeting basic needs.Reiterating Sudan’s importance to the Kingdom, Princess Reema described the Sudanese people as neighbors and friends and urged the international community to strengthen coordination toward a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the crisis.“The people of Sudan cannot wait for us to agree,” she said. “They must have the support that they need today.”