Britain’s minister for development and Africa has launched a multimillion-pound humanitarian fund for the Sahel.
During a visit to Niger, Andrew Mitchell said the Sahel Regional Fund will “transform how we deliver aid across a troubled region” as he committed £33 million ($39.64 million) from the UK over the next three years.
The fund is a partnership between the UK’s Foreign Office and non-government organisations and will exist as an NGO in its own right. Hosted by the Danish Refugee Council, it aims to serve communities affected by conflict, extremism, climate change and soaring food prices. The latter factor has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Mitchell set the plan in motion on Wednesday, following a three-day visit to Niger where he held talks with President Mohamed Bazoum.
“The introduction of our Sahel Regional Fund aims to transform how we deliver aid across a troubled region, informed by the reality on the ground,” the Foreign Office minister said. “It empowers local organisations and targets the most vulnerable in a way that listens to them and delivers lasting impact, and we hope others with follow us in this.
“By addressing the root causes of this growing regional instability, we can look to harness the true potential of our positive relationship with Niger as a vital regional partner.
“That includes continuing to increase access to education, improving lives, and preparing communities to mitigate against future impacts of climate change.
“The aid we provide today, helps ensure these communities can prosper and thrive tomorrow.”
The UK’s cash injection in the SRF has been earmarked for projects in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad.
Mr Mitchell on Tuesday shared highlights of his foreign tour on social media, including a video of his meeting with Niger’s leader.
“A pleasure to meet President Mohamed Bazoum to discuss UK-Niger cooperation, which is having a good impact on people in Niger and beyond,” Mr Mitchell wrote on Twitter. “Niger [is] a regional leader in education, climate and security and we have an honest, long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Speaking in French, the official language of the host nation, Mr Mitchell said he was “thrilled with the very productive discussion” he held with the president.
The minister said the new programme will have a “considerable impact” on bilateral efforts to combat climate change “as well as the deep causes of instability and migration”.
Niger shares a border with Libya and is passed through by many migrants on their journeys towards Europe. People from across Sub-Saharan African countries make their way to Libya before paying people smugglers to help them illegally cross the Mediterranean to Italy on small boats.
At least 73 migrants were feared to have drowned on Wednesday after a shipwreck off the Libyan coast.
Mr Mitchell’s announcement comes as Rishi Sunak faces growing pressure from MPs in his own party to address the Channel migrant crisis.
During his first visit to the region since being appointed by the Prime Minister last October, Mr Mitchell met with locals to see how they are preparing communities to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change.
During his meetings with officials, he also discussed the issue of schooling ahead of Thursday’s Education Cannot Wait Summit in Geneva. During a visit to a school funded by the UN’s global fund for education he saw how classes continue despite the threat of violence.
Another topic touched on was the UK’s training of Niger’s security forces which focuses on countering the threat from explosive devices and responding to conflict-related sexual violence.
In the 2021-2022 financial year the UK donated £80 million in aid to Niger.
While serving as the UK's chancellor, Mr Sunak cut the foreign aid budget from 0.7 per cent of GNI to 0.5 per cent in 2020 due to Covid-19 costs.
After becoming Prime Minister last year, he was warned against further reductions amid concern the UK's "soft power" abroad had been damaged.
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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