Agreement Signed to Strengthen Integrated Humanitarian Assistance for South Sudanese Influx in Akobo
Addis Ababa, 21 August 2026 — The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) and the Embassy of Switzerland in Ethiopia today signed an agreement for the implementation of the “Integrated Multi-Sectoral Humanitarian Assistance for South Sudan Population Influx and Vulnerable Host Communities in Akobo, Gambela” project, aimed at supporting people arriving from South Sudan and vulnerable host communities in Akobo Woreda, Gambela Region.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Dires Desyibelew, Deputy Secretary General of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, and Ms. Rascha Osman, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in Addis Ababa.
According to Mr. Dires, more than 100,000 people have crossed into Akobo seeking protection following the recent escalation of conflict in South Sudan. The influx has placed additional pressure on host communities in Akobo, one of the most remote and underdeveloped areas of Gambela, where access to basic services remains limited.
Following a rapid assessment conducted after the influx was reported in March 2026, ERCS identified food, emergency shelter, safe water, sanitation, health and protection services, and essential household items among the most urgent needs. The Society has since been working with government authorities, Movement partners, UN agencies and other humanitarian actors to mobilize resources and strengthen the response.
Under the new agreement, the Government of Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), will provide CHF 500,000 to support approximately 30,000 people. The assistance will include emergency shelter and food support, safe water and sanitation services, multipurpose cash assistance for vulnerable host communities, first aid, mental health and psychosocial support, protection, and community engagement and accountability.
Mr. Dires expressed ERCS’s appreciation to the Government of Switzerland, SDC, the Embassy of Switzerland in Ethiopia, the Swiss Red Cross and other Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-Movement partners for their continued support. He reaffirmed ERCS’s commitment to delivering assistance in line with the Fundamental Principles of the Movement, with a focus on protecting lives and dignity and reaching the most vulnerable.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Rascha Osman noted that Ethiopia hosts more than one million refugees and asylum seekers, with around 450,000 reportedly hosted in Gambela. She highlighted the significant humanitarian pressures created by the recent influx into Akobo and commended the efforts of the Ethiopian government, local authorities, humanitarian organizations, host communities and humanitarian personnel working under challenging conditions.
Ms. Rascha also recognized ERCS as a trusted national humanitarian organization working in accordance with key humanitarian principles and in partnership with local and international actors.
The signing marks a strengthened commitment by Switzerland and ERCS to provide timely, coordinated and integrated humanitarian assistance to people affected by the influx from South Sudan, while also supporting vulnerable host communities in Akobo.
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