The Sahel Regional Fund launches its operational phase

The Sahel Regional Fund launches its operational phase: After 6 months of putting in place an efficient and transparent governance, the Sahel Regional Fund (SRF) is now beginning its operational phase. The SRF was established to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, by providing immediate relief to affected populations, strengthening local capacities, supporting skilled aid organisations, and paving the way for lasting solutions. In line with Grand Bargain commitments, the main purposes of the SRF are to provide predictable, flexible, and long-term funding for international and national humanitarian NGOs, to implement integrated multi- sector and cross-border response, to strategically and inclusively engage with local stakeholders and first responders and to support a more principled and effective response by using data and evidence as drivers for interventions. This will also underpin a joint regional NGO advocacy agenda to influence policy and humanitarian reform. The SRF is hosted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), governed and led by leading NGOs in the Sahel and initially supported by UK aid (FCDO). The fund ambition is to evolve into a multi-donor pool fund with a longer timeframe.