The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), has raised over $1.1 billion in pledges to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees across the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, including Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
The fund-raising was done at a donors’ conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A statement in Abuja at the weekend by the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said the substantial funding commitment was made possible by the contributions of more than 10 donor countries, agencies, and organisations dedicated to addressing the growing humanitarian needs in these crisis-hit areas.
The statement said the conference, which was held in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), was meant to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mali who are facing various crises and natural disasters.
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In his address during the conference, the Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the generosity shown by the donor community.
He noted that such contributions not only demonstrate solidarity but also empower humanitarian organisations to deliver life-saving support, contributing to greater security and resilience for the affected populations.
Al Rabeeah affirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to expand aid, in partnership with international stakeholders, and ensure that such help reaches those in urgent need.
The KSA strengthened its commitment to the region by pledging an additional $30 million, bringing its total contributions for this year to $51 million.
This pledge reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to supporting communities in one crisis or the other and advancing global humanitarian objectives through KSrelief, cementing its position as a leading force in international humanitarian aid.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said the conference was a testament to international unity to provide a platform for dialogue among humanitarian leaders and a foundation for coordinated and sustainable support for those affected by displacement.
He said: “The presence of so many committed nations and organisations here today demonstrates a shared commitment to the values of solidarity and cooperation.”
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Saudi Arabia and the OIC for leading the event, acknowledging their help and the severe challenges the global body faced due to ongoing conflicts, climate disruptions, and economic strain.
With over 30 million people in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions requiring immediate assistance, Guterres called for sustained humanitarian support and investment in long-term solutions.
The UN Secretary General called for an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and unhindered access for aid efforts.