Saudi Arabia Commits To Supporting Displaced People And Refugees In Sahel And Lake Chad Region

Engineer Waleed ElKhereiji, representing Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, attended the Donors’ Conference in Jeddah. This event aimed to support displaced individuals and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. Eng. ElKhereiji highlighted Saudi Arabia's dedication to humanitarian aid, aligning with its longstanding principles and the charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Eng. ElKhereiji underscored Saudi Arabia's historical commitment to aiding those affected by disasters globally, without discrimination. This reflects the nation's Islamic values and principles of solidarity and cooperation. The directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman guide these efforts. The Kingdom has consistently provided assistance worldwide, emphasizing unity and collaboration.

The Kingdom ranks among the top global donors for humanitarian aid in 2023, leading Islamic and Arab countries with $1.239 billion in contributions. Over five decades, Saudi Arabia has extended over $130 billion in aid to more than 170 countries. These efforts are channeled through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), which plays a pivotal role in serving humanitarian causes.

Eng. ElKhereiji stressed collaboration with the United Nations and civil society organizations to support infrastructure development in host countries. This aims to ease the burden on nations hosting displaced individuals. Saudi Arabia also supports sustainable solutions for displacement crises, addressing challenges in regions like Gaza Strip and Lebanon through emergency aid.

The deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad region poses significant threats beyond Africa, affecting neighboring states as well. Terrorist activities and worsening social conditions fuel conflicts, spreading chaos and disrupting livelihoods. These challenges hinder member states' efforts to ensure security and stability for their communities.

Saudi Arabia calls on member states and humanitarian organizations to accelerate relief efforts in response to this crisis. The Kingdom urges the OIC and its specialized bodies to support development projects that address regional challenges effectively.

Commitment to Global Peace

Eng. ElKhereiji emphasized that Saudi Arabia hopes its efforts will promote global peace by fostering security and stability worldwide. The Kingdom is committed to using its resources for humanitarian causes, aiming for a dignified life for affected communities.

In line with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia plans a generous donation during a pledging session dedicated to supporting affected communities in the Sahel and Lake Chad region.

The Kingdom remains steadfast in its mission to alleviate suffering through comprehensive humanitarian initiatives, reflecting its core values of compassion and unity.

With inputs from SPA