EU allocates pound 35 mn in additional humanitarian aid for West Africa

BRUSSELS: The EU has released an additional allocation of pound 35 million for humanitarian assistance to West Africa, as the region continues to face a dire humanitarian situation. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, the Gulf of Guinea coastal countries and Nigeria are affected by food insecurity and displacement, caused by growing political instability, persisting and intensifying conflicts and generalised violence. The funding will help meet the emergency needs of the most vulnerable people, especially in the areas of food assistance, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, shelter and protection, according to a press release issued by the European Commission. In particular, the funding will be dedicated to humanitarian partners working in Burkina Faso (pound 10 million), Mali (pound 8 million), Niger (pound 8 million), Mauritania (pound 1 million), Nigeria (pound 5 million), and the countries in the Gulf of Guinea (pound 3 million). This additional funding brings the total EU aid to these countries t o pound 160.6 million this year. Source: Emirates News Agency