KSrelief Supervisor General Highlights Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Aid Efforts in Sahel and Lake Chad Region

Adviser at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah emphasized Saudi Arabia's comprehensive response strategy for crisis-affected areas in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. Speaking during a high-level session on humanitarian aid for refugees, internally displaced persons, and affected populations, Dr. Al-Rabeeah outlined the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's multifaceted approach, which has included over $2.5 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to this region alone. This session, titled 'Discussion on Humanitarian Action to Meet the Needs of Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons, and Affected Populations in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region and Enhance Their Self-Reliance,' took place alongside the Donors Conference to Support Displaced Persons and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region, held in Jeddah. Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted KSrelief's integrated approach to aid, encompassing both immediate relief and initiatives aimed at long-term resilience for displaced populations and host communities. Through partnerships among government, humanitarian, and development agencies, the Kingdom addresses needs across multiple sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, and education. He noted the pivotal role of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in building infrastructure projects, such as a major highway connecting eastern and western parts of a regional country at a cost of $38 million. Additionally, Saudi universities provide over 2,155 full scholarships for students from the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, covering tuition and living expenses to empower these students as future leaders and community builders. Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Al Rabeeah underscored the critical importance of coordinated global logistics in crisis responses, pointing to Saudi Arabia's efforts to localize vaccine production as part of its broader mission to improve global response readiness, especially in vulnerable regions like the Sahel and Lake Chad. He highlighted that the Kingdom is also advancing partnerships with multilateral organizations and donor countries to bridge funding gaps, ensure sustainable solutions, and strategically plan humanitarian projects. Saudi Arabia's strategic aid programs, he concluded, are dedicated to helping affected communities overcome challenges and achieve resilience and prosperity. Source: Saudi Press Agency