UN: donors to fill gap of $4.6 billion for Darfur in Doha summit

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced in a press statement that donor countries have a gap of $4.595 billion to fill for the reconstruction of Darfur within the framework of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). The Government of Sudan [GoS], the Darfur Regional Authority [DRA] and international development partners, are requesting US$7.245 billion to meet both social and infrastructural needs over the next six years, it stated. GoS has “confirmed its commitment to the DDPD of US$2.65 billion with a delineated schedule of delivery. A Letter of Credit for the first tranche of US$165 million was given to the DRA in January 2013. This leaves a gap for donors to fill of US$4.595 billion”. “The experience of UNDP over the past six years in Sudan has shown that economic recovery and the provision of livelihood opportunities is the strongest incentive for individuals and communities to break out from conflict dynamics and join peace efforts instead”, the press statement of 2 April read.   UNDP expressed its strong support to the summit on 7 and 8 April in Doha and stated it “believes this donor’s conference is a first solid step to implement … a six years development strategy – a key driver of hope for the people of Darfur to live in peace and stability.” The Doha donors’ conference, hosted by the government of Qatar, is aimed at raising funds for the development and reconstruction of Darfur.