UNHCR official wraps up Kuwait mission, calls for greater support for Sudan refugees
The support from the Kuwaiti people for the millions suffering from the conflict in Sudan and other displacement emergencies is more than just aid — it is a powerful expression of solidarity – Balde
Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Director for the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), concluded a two-day official mission to the State of Kuwait as part of a broader tour of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The visit was to deepen strategic partnerships and mobilize critical support for the ongoing humanitarian response to the crisis in Sudan and neighboring regions.
During the visit, Mr. Balde held a series of high-level meetings with senior Kuwaiti officials, including His Excellency Hamad Al-Mashaan, Assistant Minister for Development and International Cooperation, and His Excellency AbdulAziz Al-Jarallah, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations.
He also met with representatives of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), reaffirming Kuwait’s role as a key humanitarian partner and a UN-designated international humanitarian center.
As the UNHCR’s Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan situation, Mr. Balde used the visit to explore new opportunities for collaboration with Kuwait in mobilizing resources and humanitarian assistance. Discussions emphasized the importance of Kuwait’s sustained engagement, particularly as the Sudan crisis enters its second year.
Mr. Balde also engaged with representatives of prominent Kuwaiti philanthropic institutions, including Zakat House and Direct Aid.
These meetings focused on strengthening partnerships in the context of Islamic philanthropy and expanding joint efforts to meet the escalating humanitarian needs in Sudan and across the Horn of Africa. He praised the vital role of the Kuwaiti people in supporting vulnerable communities globally.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached staggering proportions. “In a time where the number of people forced to flee continues to grow and resources are drastically shrinking, UNHCR values our long-standing partnership with Kuwait more than ever.
“The support from the Kuwaiti people for the millions suffering from the conflict in Sudan and other displacement emergencies is more than just aid — it is a powerful expression of solidarity,” said Mr. Balde.
To conclude his mission, Mr. Balde held a press briefing at the Mövenpick Hotel in Kuwait City, attended by top donors and representatives from host countries. He expressed his appreciation to all donors and reiterated UNHCR’s gratitude to Kuwait for its enduring support and continued cooperation across governmental and non-governmental sectors.
He underlined the mission’s key outcomes and reiterated the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance amid escalating regional crises and tightening financial constraints.
Mr. Balde’s mission underscored the critical importance of global solidarity, long-term partnerships, and increased funding to address these growing challenges.
