EU boosts assistance for the Sahel to increase resilience | WPN World People News

The European Commission is providing assistance worth €34 million for immediate food aid for the most vulnerable people in Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso. Coming at the start of the lean season in the Sahel region, this funding will help bridge the gap until the next harvest.

"Millions of people in the Sahel are exposed to the risk of hunger and it is crucial that we keep helping to meet their immediate needs. This emergency aid continues in parallel with the European Union's work with the Sahel countries and partners on strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable people to future crises," said Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.

The assistance will be delivered through cash, vouchers or food, depending on the local market situation.

This new funding comes from the 11th European Development Fund reserve and brings the Commission's total humanitarian aid for the Sahel region to €185 million in 2015.

Neven Mimica, EU Commissioner for International cooperation and Development added: "Building resilience is a major priority in EU development cooperation. We stand side by side with our Sahel partners to improve food and nutrition security and enhance resilience through our support to agriculture, health, water and education".

source: EU Commission